Bremen business owner gives free meals to those affected by storms

BREMEN, Ind. -- A local business owner spared from damage is providing free meals to anyone affected by the devastating Northern Indiana weather that hit Sun. and Wed.

Carmen Gallegos owns La Parilla Caliente, a Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant, and Carmen’s Diner, both located in downtown Bremen.

The storm that hit Wednesday brought a tornado to Bremen’s neighboring town of Bourbon, causing mass damage. When Gallegos heard about that, but saw her town was mostly unaffected, she felt pulled to take action.

“I woke up, I started driving and I thought you know what, we need to do something about it. Yeah, we’re in a restaurant, we can’t do much, but let’s offer a free meal for these first responders, anybody affected by the storm, people who don’t have electric,” said Gallegos.

So that’s what they are doing, offering two tacos and chips and salsa at La Parilla Caliente, and coffee, biscuits and gravy at Carmen’s Diner, all at no cost for those caught up with the storm.

For Gallegos, being able to provide a safe space after the storm is worth more than any payment.

“I’ve been here thirteen years. Bremen has been nothing but great to me. I don’t do it for publicity, I just do it because it’s the right thing to do. And that is something that I hope and pray that we all can reach that point where we just help each other out. It’s not about a sale, it’s not about who is gonna come in, at the end of the day, you do what’s right. Period,” said Gallegos.

They started the free food Thurs. morning and will continue throughout the weekend. Click here and here to learn more information like restaurant hours.