(Yicai Global) June 22 -- The Covid-19 resurgence had a big impact for many people, and one Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai is trying to give something back by offering free lunches to those who cannot afford them, such as the unemployed.

“If you don’t have any work or income for the time being, or if you are facing difficulties, you can come to our restaurant and ask for a single set meal,” reads the notice in front of the restaurant. “You do not have to pay. All you need to do is remember to lend a helping hand to those around you who are in need of help.”

The free set lunch has vegetables, sliced meat and rice, the eatery’s owner told Yicai Global, adding that it reopened on June 1. Most of the customers who come to enjoy the free lunch are aged between 20 and 30, he said, and they include food-delivery workers, construction workers and some who look like white-collar staff. On average, two or three customers will order the free lunch every day. 

“During the two months of the Covid-19 outbreak, the government offered us a lot of assistance and it kept sending us goods and materials,” said the owner, whose family name is He. “So I believe we should also support those in need of help,” he said, noting that “many non-local residents of Shanghai have gone through a lot.” 

He has been running the restaurant for over four years and 80 percent to 90 percent of his customers are regulars. The eatery’s daily business revenue has now returned to 20 percent of the pre-pandemic level, but the current daily loss still ranges from CNY2,000 to CNY3,000 (USD298 to USD447). 

But He said he is still confident about the outlook for the second half of the year. 

“I believe we can get revenue back to 90 percent of the pre-pandemic level, if customers can eat as normal in the restaurant,” he said. “Revenue can fully return to the level before the pandemic after three months of in-restaurant dining.”

Editors: Xu Wei, Tom Litting