LOVELAND, Colo. — Jason Stentz admits he wasn’t sure what the response would be when he changed the electronic sign in front of his Loveland Culver’s restaurant last week to read “FIRST RESPONDERS AND EVACUEES EAT FREE.”
At the time, smoke was clearly visible from the store off Highway 34 on the west side of Loveland, where firetrucks raced by.
“It felt like the right thing to do,” Stentz said. “I never really thought about the cost that we’d incur. It was go time, and we needed to help.”
He said the decision was met with surprise and support from his staff, many of whom have friends and family in the evacuation zone.
“I think there was a little shock at first, I think they were like this could get crazy,” Stentz said. “It definitely felt like the right thing to do and was welcomed by the crew.”
Within a few hours, he said community members impacted by the fire started pouring in, eager for a hot meal while waiting for updates on their homes.
A week later, his restaurant has given away roughly 1,000 meals to firefighters and evacuees, totaling more than $6,000.
“I think it just confirms that it was the right thing to do,” he said. “It feels good to be a bright spot, put a smile on their face, and know that we’ve affected their day in a positive way.”
Stentz said the offer will remain in place as long as it’s needed.