NEW IBERIA — A motel owner in New Iberia is a providing a different service for his community. Early Saturday morning, cars waited in a long line on Daigre Street in New Iberia, all waiting for a plate lunch.
Southland Inn motel owner Renny Keal, along with the help of his family, served more than 300 plates for free in front of their house.
"It's overwhelming, it felt like it's impossible, but we did it," Keal said.
Although some in line were unfamiliar faces, they wanted to give back to a community they love.
"It really makes me feel good. I met the people that I have never met. I'm happy I can give back to the community and that the good Lord is blessing me," Keal said.
Within thirty minutes of serving food, the Keals ran out of chicken, but with a line of people left to serve, they didn't let that close their doors.
"I thought it was going to be a handful of people, but it became over 300 people. I made it happen. I never said go about your business, I went to Church's got more chicken. I didn't want to run out. I knew we had a long line, and everybody wants to eat," Keal said.
Keal says they plan on doing this again before the end of the month.
"We are going to do it again, so just be prepared," Keal said.
