Joey’s Kitchen has handed out 300 to 800 plates of food a day at no cost to fellow families displaced by the Maui fires, putting others’ needs ahead of their own.
Joey Macadangdang, the chef and owner of Joey's Kitchen in Napili, Hawaii, on Maui, takes a minute to rest at his restaurant after serving dinner for the 14th night in a row, on Aug. 21, 2023. Photo for The Washington Post by Tamir Kalifa.
“It’s all I can do. I have to do something,” Joey Macadangdang told The Washington Post. He gestured toward the line that snaked out the door and down the sidewalk, and smiled. “It’s ‘cause we have really good salad today. People needed something fresh.” With so many people cast out, the Macadangdangs’ restaurant, Joey’s Kitchen, has been home for now, and everyone is welcome, they said.Joey and Juvy fled from home to their restaurant that night. Some employees and friends trickled in, shaken from the blaze and seeking a safe space - Joey’s Kitchen was one of the first to come to mind, they told The Post.As the fire raged that night, countless people gathered in the plaza’s parking lot, Joey said. He decided to fire up his gas stove.
Joey, Juvy, some of his employees and their families, and stranded strangers slept on the floor of the restaurant that night.They haven’t stopped since. Still, the restaurant remains lively with employees, random volunteers and donations that keep the operation running with a methodical efficiency. Around 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jenna Orosco, an employee turned volunteer, doled out perfectly rounded scoops of white rice into 24 takeout containers - the last batch of the night. Her mom, Jenny Orosco, also an employee turned volunteer, spooned kalua-style pork over the rice. They bounced to the Hawaiian music blasting over the speakers.
There are too many questions. He’s unsure about his business’ long-term future, and how he can maintain pay and insurance for his employees. He doesn’t know when he will be able return to his home. He doesn’t know if returning makes sense - seeing Lahaina in ruins is unbearable, he said. Often, he paces instead of sleeping at night.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Displaced animals from Maui arrive in San DiegoDogs and cats are being housed and cared for at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe until they're ready to be adopted.
Read more »
Nonprofit offers temporary housing for displaced Maui residentsThe structures from Hungary-based company Continest can break down to less than two feet tall and can stack on top of each other.
Read more »
Displaced to their Maui restaurant, they created a hub for fire victimsJoey’s Kitchen has handed out 300 to 800 plates of food a day at no cost to fellow families displaced by the Maui fires, putting others’ needs ahead of their own.
Read more »
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Help Raise Funds for the Maui Food BankHere's a look at this weekend's tasty food and drink happenings: Maui Food Bank Benefit at FM Kitchen & Bar Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight 1112 Shepherd FM Kitchen & Bar invites guests to 'Get Lei'd for a Cause,' benefitting the Maui Food Bank in response to the tragic wildfires...
Read more »
Tinley Park memory care residents craft bracelets to support Maui wildfire recoveryResidents of a memory care community have created a unique fundraiser for Maui wildfire victims.
Read more »
Maui County sues Hawaiian Electric Company for damages from disastrous firesThe civil suit filed Thursday seeks a jury trial and 'punitive and exemplary damages' to recoup costs and loss of revenue from the deadly wildfires.
Read more »