Tres Café Kewanee is deepening its community bond by offering free meals to veterans and first responders. On Tuesdays, veterans can opt for a complimentary breakfast or dinner, and similarly, first responders are offered the same on Thursdays from 6 AM to 8 PM. This gesture is part of owner Shirley Chu’s ongoing mission to support the community, emphasizing gratitude and unity. With a history of providing around 70,000 free meals since 2020, Tres Café’s initiative exemplifies generosity. This initiative not only acknowledges their sacrifices but also fosters a community spirit, strengthening ties and tangibly expressing gratitude. Charities and nonprofit groups interested in partnering with Tres Café can reach out to Shirley at 309-761-8088 for collaborations and support. For further details or to inquire if anyone is available to deliver a meal, contact Tres Cafè at 309-761-8088. Tres Café is located at 300 W. 3rd Street in Kewanee. Shirley, a cancer survivor, said she was given a second chance at life, and she wants to use that chance to help people. She said helping people is the right thing to do. Tune in to 1450 AM and 102.1 FM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 8:25 to hear Shirley tell her story.
Shirley Chu said they started giving out free meals during COVID-19 in 2020. She said her restaurants were full of food that would go bad during the shutdown. Shirley said she also saw a greater need for a hot meal by people during the shutdown. Shirley said they have served around 70,000 free meals since she started in 2020. Her Galesburg and Abingdon locations work with local charities to feed the homeless, veterans, and first responders. They also have volunteer help to deliver meals to those who are unable to travel to the restaurant. Tres Cafè has a scholarship fund for Galesburg area students. There are five scholarships for Carl Sandberg College students at $1,000 each.
The Kewanee location opened its doors on January 20, 2025, for dinner. Shirley said they are so blessed, and after growing up in the Philippines, she understands not being able to afford a hot meal. Shirley said she would never turn someone away because they couldn’t afford a meal. They give out hundreds of meals on Thanksgiving Day alone. They also give a complimentary meal on Christmas Eve, so no one is hungry on Christmas. Shirley said they have been blessed with help from outside organizations to their distributors. Some of their food distributors donate some food here and there to help.
Eddie Toliver from the Salvation Army reached out to Shirley about providing hot meals to the homeless population in Kewanee and anyone in need of a good meal. Shirley said she was more than happy to provide hot meals out of the Kewanee Salvation Army. Shirley said she is ready to start fundraising out of the Kewanee restaurant. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to contact Shirley at the Kewanee location of Tres Cafè if your organization would like to partner to feed the hungry, donate to help feed the hungry, or host a fundraiser. For questions or inquiries, call 309-761-8088.