Lentil As Anything in trouble as cheapskates take advantage of restaurant’s charity
IT WAS a nice idea — give customers the power to pay what they think the meal they’ve eaten was worth. Here’s how that turned out.
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LENTIL As Anything’s future is under threat from cheapskates taking advantage of the Newtown restaurant’s charity by paying less than $3 a meal.
Sydney’s Inner West Courier has been told that since opening two years ago, the vegetarian restaurant has invited customers to pay what they can to enjoy a delicious meal, have a chat and listen to some music in a warm, safe space.
It is a haven for those who have fallen on hard times — but restaurant manager Rose Piyarach Kiatsiri said the restaurant’s ability to lend a hand is at risk when those who can pay, do not.
“Lentil As Anything is a place for everyone to come in, because we believe everyone has the right to eat at the table,” Ms Piyarach Kiatsiri said.
“But people are taking advantage of what we’re doing here and forget about how we run, and the fact that we need support.”
On average, Lentil As Anything’s Newtown customers contribute $6 or $7 per meal — and in two years, the average contribution has never reached $10.
Right now, the average contribution is less than $3.
“This is really risky,” Ms Piyarach Kiatsiri said.
“People may not realise what this costs — they think they could pay $5 to make lentils at home. We also pay $2700 a week in rent, present our meals beautifully, and employ kitchen staff.”
Altogether, it costs Lentil As Anything up to $23,000 a week to keep their doors open — and customer contributions do not come close to covering costs.
“There are people who can give, and then people who take,” Ms Piyarach Kiatsiri said.
“If people can afford to give, they should — if customers can pay, we need them to donate.”
The restaurant has started a #keeplentilsalive campaign, urging customers and their community to provide much-needed support to keep the restaurant running.
The campaign is not targeted to those who cannot pay, but those who can — and currently do not.
“The people who love Lentils, we call them family,” Ms Piyarach Kiatsiri said.
“This is about driving us forward, and asking people who love Lentils to contribute to keeping us alive.”
Ms Piyarach Kiatsiri had one final message for inner west residents who love Lentil As Anything, and believe in the service they provide for people in hard times.
“If you love us and want us to continue doing what we’re doing, you need to share this campaign and you need to support us.”
To learn more about #keeplentilsalive, visit facebook.com/lentilasanythingsydney.
Visit Lentil As Anything at 391 King St, Newtown.
Originally published as Lentil As Anything in trouble as cheapskates take advantage of restaurant’s charity
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