For many in the California area, Thanksgiving Day will be a somber holiday following the devastation of the state’s most deadly and destructive fire, the Camp Fire.
At the nearby Chico, California, Buffalo Wild Wings, restaurant manager Oscar Saona and other members of the community have banded together in hopes of brightening the holiday for so many affected by this natural disaster.
The restaurant is normally closed on Thanksgiving Day, but this year, Oscar is opening the doors to the Chico Buffalo Wild Wings to host a free traditional Thanksgiving feast for evacuees, first responders and those affected by the Camp Fire.
“We want this to feel like going to your family’s house for Thanksgiving.
We have Thanksgiving decorations and we’re going to set the dining area like we would for big events, with family-style seating.” Oscar Saona, General Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings
Donations have poured in since the Chico Buffalo Wild Wings announced its intentions to serve those affected by the Camp Fire. Olive Garden is assisting by donating breadsticks and salad to accompany the meal. The local Sav More chipped in with 40 turkeys, which Oscar and his team plan to deep fry using the restaurant’s seven fryers. Those within the community have helped to fund the rest of the meal, which will follow traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, with green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and of course, stuffing.
“The response from our community has been unbelievable.
Everyone is chipping in for our brothers and sisters, helping these people that have been completely displaced from such a horrible event. There’s so much bad in the world, when you see these acts of kindness, you’re just taken aback.” Oscar Saona, General Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings
The Chico Buffalo Wild Wings can hold 240 guests and they are currently taking reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. To make a reservation, please call 530-592-3251 and ask for Oscar or Jakob.
The Thanksgiving meal will be served from 3-7 p.m. PST.
