Hartwig's Diner open to anyone in need

“No questions asked. If you need something, come in.”

Scott Hartwig, owner of Hartwig’s Waterloo Diner, wants people to know that they can always come to his diner for a helping hand.

After Hartwig had a fire in his diner in 2010, he said he knows what it’s like to lose something. Although the fire did not destroy his business, he was forced to close his kitchen until it could be fixed.

“I can sympathize with people who’ve had serious damage done,” Hartwig said.

In the last 10-15 years, Hartwig many people have come in for help, and he always gives them food to eat. During the pandemic, he gave food to people who couldn’t feed their families. He doesn’t deny anyone, even if they come from adjacent towns.

Hartwig wants to spread positivity and happiness in the post-pandemic world. “It’s nice to know that you’re not alone.”

Hartwig said he doesn’t want people to think he’s perfect or an angel for helping people, he’s just a human trying to help.

“I’m not an angel,” Hartwig said with a grin. “I could be a jerk.”