Local Students Open Restaurant to Serve the Hungry

For the past three years, third grade teacher Chris Kennelly has taught his students how to serve people, literally. 

On Tuesday afternoon, a gaggle of eager kids took orders, served food and bussed tables for about 140 people at in Morton Grove.

"In the past three years, we've raised $1,500," said Kennelly.

All the proceeds go to , where this year, the students took a tour beforehand to learn about civic engagement for their social studies class.

For $6.95 a customer received a balsamic chicken sandwich, choice of pasta salad or fruit skewer, and lemonade, plus free cookies with every purchase. Burgers and turkey hot dogs were also on the menu. 

Top chefs in the house

This year's restaurant, which students voted to call "Fast Food Grasshopper" --because "grasshoppers move fast," according to one student -- received all the food by donation, due to some parental guidance.

John McGowan and his wife Alissa are top chefs at McCormick & Schmicks Seafood Restaurant and Food Stuffs respectively, and found ways to get all the food donated.

"We wanted to kick it up a notch," said John McGowan. Wearing a T-shirt that reads "Chef By Day, World's Best Dad By Night," he said they wanted to make it more user-friendly. 

Serving Aspirations

Talking with several students during their work breaks, one gets the sense that they are having fun on the job.

"I'm either going to be a waitress or a doctor when I grow up," said Angelie Pham.

And the message of serving the needy is clear.  

"I am serving food so that people won't get as hungry," said Albert Bang. "We're getting money for the food pantry because we want to help."