LAPEER, Mich. (WJRT) – For the sixth year, Woodchips BBQ in downtown Lapeer will welcome the community for a free Christmas dinner.
The popular restaurant at 315 W. Nepessing St. will be open from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Christmas day to serve anyone looking for a hot meal and some company. The free menu includes American barbecue and non-alcoholic drinks.
A cookie station from Kooky’s and Cream in Lapeer, which is a sister restaurant to Woodchips, also will be available. Meals will be provided for dine-in or carryout service.
Owner Patrick Hingst said Woodchips typically serves 200 to 300 people on Christmas. Donations will be accepted for Woodchips’ Community Fund, but diners are welcome to eat for free.
“I really love the real energy and spirit of the holiday, and truly appreciate my hometown,” he said.
Hingst is dedicating the meal to Olivia Bradshaw, who died last week after she fell through the ice on a pond in Lapeer County’s Goodland Township while trying to rescue her dog.
Bradshaw’s father, Erik Reinhardt, provided legal representation for Woodchips at no charge in 2020 while Hingst fought Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 orders, which required restaurants to close for in-person dining.
“Having Erik on our side is what allowed us to successfully navigate the overreaching actions of the state, while becoming a beacon of light for our employees, the community and beyond,” Hingst said.
He became friends with Bradshaw and the Reinhardt family after the 2020 legal battle. Hingst especially appreciated his friendship with Bradshaw.
“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,” he said.
Hingst said Woodchips employees volunteer to work on the free Christmas dinner every year and he doesn’t have to require anyone to come. Community members also are invited to volunteer.
“We even have employees now who started as volunteers at one of our events and fell in love with our culture and commitment to community,” Hingst said. “It exemplifies the true Christmas spirit and is the best gift I’ve ever received.”
