Jacksonville BBQ restaurant opens doors to those down on their luck this Christmas

Willard's BBQ Junction, a local restaurant in Jacksonville, opened its doors to people in need this Christmas, according to its Facebook page.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas Day, the restaurant invited anyone who may be down on their luck this holiday season to come enjoy a Christmas dinner.

Photos: Volunteers spread Christmas cheer for homeless in downtown Jacksonville

The family-owned barbecue restaurant said it is not open for business and the family just wants to make a difference.

The homeless can drop in and have a hot meal at no cost on Christmas.

“I don’t know any of these people and they’re feeding me like a friend,” said Terry Bealer, a man who stopped into the restaurant to eat. “I was wondering what kind of food they had, and I was just glad they were here.”

It was a family affair for the organizers of the event.

“Including the little ones today,” said Taylor McQuade, whose family owns the restaurant. Beyond the gesture, the family tells Action News Jax reporter Ryan Nelson they’re teaching the young ones in the family the importance of giving.

“We’re serving other people like God does for us,” said Mason McQuade, one of the owner’s grandchildren who was offering his assistance when he could with other fellow grandchildren.

Organizers even offered rides to people who wanted to have a free meal this holiday.

“A ride here, a ride back, we’re delivering food,” said Taylor McQuade.

They’re hoping the event inspires the community to think of what they have to give, rather than get,  this holiday season.

Cox Media Group