S.A.M.E. is a much different concept

In downtown Denver, just off East Colfax, poverty seems to be the one trend that ties people together. Until recently, the only options for food were fast-food, or gas station food. In 2006, though, a young couple from Illinois decided to open a restaurant that was different from any other in that area. It was not as run-down as the rest of the area, and it granted hope to anyone and everyone who walked in the door, as it still does. It is called S.A.M.E. It stands for So All May Eat. It is a non-profit restaurant, one of the only ones in the country. This restaurant serves nearly 15,000 customers a year, but doesn't charge a single one. The customers are asked to pay what they can, when they can. If a customer can not offer any money at all, they are asked to volunteer an hour in the kitchen helping to prepare or serve food. While some might see this restaurant as a modern-day soup kitchen, they would be mistaken. S.A.M.E. offers a different menu for every meal, and most of the food is organic.

This is phenomenal. When I read about this restaurant, I thought to myself, 'Now that is the definition of community service.' This restaurant offers a healthy meal to people who can't afford a meal at all, in most cases. It is amazing that people get so caught up in restaurants to realize that no matter how good their souffle is, certain people can't afford to go out to eat.

This restaurant isn't just attracting people of limited means, though. There are business-types, hippie-types, college students, and more. There are people who come to support the cause, and people who truly just enjoy the food.

This is a new way to look at the restaurant industry. These owners are helping people one meal at a time. They are asking nothing in return, and they are truly unselfish people in this horribly selfish world. I commend you.