Holiday tradition continues

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As the season of giving draws closer, one of Delaware’s staple restaurants is preparing to do just that. Hamburger Inn, located at 16 N. Sandusky St., will give away free dinners to the community on Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 3 to 9 p.m.

The dinners will consist of holiday staples —oven roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, sweet potato casserole, sage stuffing and green beans almondine. To satisfy any sweet tooths, a cinnamon roll bread pudding with rum sauce will be served as dessert.

This year’s event will mark the eighth consecutive year since 2010 that Hamburger Inn has offered the free dinners. The meals are free and open to everyone in the community. However, space is limited inside the diner, and the possibility of a waiting line to get in exists.

“We’re really excited about the event and look forward to serving and connecting with hundreds of community members during this time,” said Kathryn Broderick, marketing manager for the restaurant. “It’s a way for us to give back and be thankful we can provide a good meal to those who would like one.”

Broderick said the restaurant will prepare 60 turkeys and anticipates serving as many as 800 dinners.

“This is our way of thanking the community that supports us all year and a way for us to give back. We know that many people in the community have visited for many years, and we want to show how much we appreciate them.”

Only the holiday dinners will be served during the six-hour time frame on Nov. 20. Other menu items will not be available, but patrons are encouraged to enjoy the sides and dessert if turkey is not their bird of choice.

To help in facilitating such a large undertaking, Broderick said volunteers — many of whom are regulars at the restaurant — offer their support. She said local figures such as judges, magistrates, and doctors have volunteered in the past to serve food and replenish drinks.

To help offset the cost, much of the food is donated by Sysco, Kroger and Meijer, and residents make cash donations as well, making the event a true community connection.

“This one community dinner really is a community effort,” said Mike Cram, manager of Hamburger Inn. “Without all the help we receive, it would not be possible to put on such a large production.”

By Dillon Davis

[email protected]

Reach Dillon Davis at 740-413-0904. Follow him on Twitter @ddavis_gazette.

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