LAPEER, MI - Woodchips BBQ, a longtime staple in downtown Lapeer, is continuing its tradition of giving back with the sixth annual free Community Christmas Meal on Wednesday, Dec. 25.
Known for its scratch-made American barbecue and dedication to supporting the community, Woodchips has spent over a decade serving both hearty meals and heartfelt initiatives. The Christmas meal, now a beloved tradition, offers a free holiday dinner to anyone in the community, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to being more than just a place to eat.
"I really love the real energy and spirit of the holiday, and truly appreciate my hometown," Patrick Hingst, owner and founder, said in a statement.
The meal will be served from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Woodchips BBQ, 315 W. Nepessing St.
Guests have the option of making a carryout plate or dining in, with non-alcoholic beverages provided. The meal will be a mix of traditional with an American BBQ influence, and will also include a cookie station featuring cookies from Woodchips' sister bakery across the street, Kookys N Cream.
Donations to the restaurant's community fund will be accepted but are not required.
"It's an honor to be able to bring back this amazing event for the sixth time, and this year, to be able to dedicate it to our dear friend and angelic inspiration, Olivia Bradshaw (Reinhardt)," Hingst's statement continued.
Reinhardt, a local woman and mother, died last week while attempting to rescue the family dog from an iced-over pond. She and her family are also friends of Hingst and the Woodchips staff.
"If not for Olivia and her family, we may not be here today," Hingst said.
Erik Reinhardt, Olivia Bradshaw's father and a retired county prosecutor, provided pro bono legal representation to Hingst and Woodchips during the second "Stay at Home" order Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued in late 2020, which closed most restaurants. His wife, Julie Reinhardt, played a key role in facilitating the connection between her husband and the business owner.
"When our team overwhelmingly voted to stay open and to become a nonprofit during the supposed three-week pause that ordered our closure and the laying off of the majority of our industry one month before Christmas, we were scared," Hingst said in the statement. "We knew several government agencies would attempt to come after us."
"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."
The Reinhardt family became acquainted with the group, quickly leaving a positive impression. Olivia Bradshaw stood out in particular, admired for her remarkable beauty, both inside and out, Hingst said. She was a person with a strong presence -- an old soul whose purpose seemed rooted in spreading love and care to those around her. The decision to dedicate Woodchips' free Christmas meal to her moving forward is intended to honor her memory, celebrate the person she was, and inspire others to continue her legacy of kindness and compassion.
"Even in dark times, we all need to find a light. Hosting these meals have given me some of the most rewarding experiences, as well as for our teammates and volunteers," Hingst's statement continued
Hingst said no one is required to work during the event, but members of his team volunteer to do so. Community volunteers also help that day.
Woodchips BBQ opened in Lapeer in 2014. The company opened Kookys N Cream in downtown Lapeer in 2019, and last year opened Lightning Rounds on the outskirts of town.