Woodchips BBQ, a downtown Lapeer staple known for its scratch-made American barbecue, is once again offering free Christmas meals to the community, continuing a cherished holiday tradition now in its sixth year.
The free meal will be served on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Woodchips BBQ, located at 315 W. Nepessing St. Guests can choose to dine in or take a meal to go, with the menu featuring a mix of traditional Christmas dishes and barbecue favorites. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and dessert lovers can enjoy fresh, warm cookies prepared by Woodchips’ sister bakery, Kookys N Cream.
“No one should have to be alone or go hungry on Christmas,” says Patrick Hingst, owner and founder of Woodchips BBQ. “We have provided meals to around 200-300 people each year from all backgrounds and socio-economic demographics.”
Hingst credits his staff and volunteers for making the event possible, noting that no one is required to work the meal, but many team members volunteer their time, alongside community members, to serve the guests.
This year’s event is dedicated to Olivia Bradshaw (Reinhardt), a local woman who died while trying to rescue her dog from an ice-covered pond last week. Hingst described Olivia as someone whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression.
"She was one of those people that when you met, you just felt her presence,” Hingst says. “Like an old soul here for the purpose of sharing love and caring for those around her. Our goal in dedicating this event to her moving forward is to make sure everyone knows what a wonderful human she was and to remember, not only her, but the extra work each of us have to do to keep her light shining in this world."
The free meal initiative began in 2018, inspired by Hingst’s desire to spread the spirit of Christmas and bring people together. Contributions to the restaurant’s “Community Fund” are welcomed to help support the event, but are not required.
For more information, visit the Woodchips BBQ Facebook page or contact Patrick Hingst at 248-496-0128 or [email protected].
