Mo Boulftali is more than a restaurant owner. He’s a philanthropist who routinely finds ways to give back to the community.
The owner of Jimmy’s Oven and Grill has a history of hosting fundraisers at his establishment, in addition to providing free Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. Boulftali is currently preparing for what is becoming an annual tradition: a full holiday meal from 2 to 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.
Boulftali started serving Thanksgiving dinner five or six years ago, when employees at the nearby Owens-Illinois glass plant did not have anywhere to go for the meal.
A sign outside Jimmy’s advertising for the upcoming dinner (Hannah S. Ostroff/WYDaily)
“It made me feel good about it, so I started doing it every year,” he said.
The dinner has expanded over the years, with about 120 people attending last year.
Boulftali has a loose definition of needy: His free Thanksgiving meal is not only for those in dire straits financially, but also for those who might be emotionally needy and those without a place to go.
This year, he has reached out to military groups in the area, knowing out-of-towners stationed here might not have any other options.
Boulftali’s hospitality is not just limited to food on plates, though.
He said last year a homeless man came for the Thanksgiving dinner and stayed for four hours to eat. When the restaurant staff realized the man was homeless, Boulftali had a room booked for him at the hotel next door.
Boulftali said many of his guests for the annual meal are from the Historic Triangle, coming from the local Salvation Army, St. Bede’s or St. Olaf’s churches. [WYDaily recently took a look at homelessness in the area, and the ways groups are trying to offer help.]
Jimmy’s has also been a force behind fundraising for local causes, hosting events for schools, local organizations and individuals. In
On the wall of letters thanking Boulftali, a check for over $1,200 that the restaurant presented to a memorial fund (Hannah S. Ostroff/WYDaily)
the hallway just inside the entrance to Jimmy’s, a wall is covered in letters thanking Boulftali and the restaurant for their efforts.
Boulftali said he “can’t say no” to those who need assistance, and is glad to support the public as they are, ultimately, the reason he is able to stay in business.
The Thanksgiving dinner, he said, is the “perfect way to say thank you to the community.”
Jimmy’s has ordered 16 turkeys for the big day, which will be prepared along with bistro steak, ham and the full makings of a Thanksgiving feast. Staff will be working to cook the food, but the front of the house will be managed by volunteers.
The dinner is free, but RSVPs are requested.
Boulftali said he had about 60 reservations so far, and expects more than 100 people to arrive for the meal. He’s not going to place a cap on the total allowed and isn’t worried about running out of food for hungry patrons.
“If someone comes in that door, I will not turn them away,” he said. “I’ll cook them a hamburger if I have to.”
Jimmy’s Oven and Grill is located at 7201 Richmond Road. Call 565-1465 to RSVP or for more information.