How local restaurants are continuing to serve post-Helene

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Impacts of Helene are still being felt throughout the CSRA, including right here in Augusta where local business is continuing to serve the community the best they can.

There haven’t been too many places able to weather storm Helene, in Augusta. But some local restaurants still stand to serve the community.

During a time where essential items like power, water and food were scarce, some restaurants thought of a backup plan to feed the community.

“We did not lose power; we did not lose our water. Unfortunately, I just could not allow my staff to leave their families and come here to work, knowing they didn’t have power and lights at home, so we couldn’t open up to the public. So, we decided to just do the food trucks every other day to try to give our customer base some food,” Cafe 209 owner Cassandra Brenson said.

Cafe 209 continues that plan, even while most power has been restored in the area.

“They’re out here doing their thing, supporting people, helping the people at a time like this– we definitely need it,” customer Marvin Brandon said.

Cassandra Brenson tells me she’s glad to serve.

“I love Augusta, I wanna see Augusta do well. I wanna see Augusta come out of this, I wanna see us come out of this soon. And surrounding areas because I have customers and family-friends in South Carolina, I wanna see us all get back on the right track. But the only way we can get on that track is we gotta help support each other, we can’t break each other down– we have to help each other, and I love helping my community.”

Brenson says their efforts will continue.

“Tomorrow, Saturday. We’re gonna give away 500 free meals on this corner. 500 free meals on this corner starting from 11 to one. The food is being donated by myself, my husband, the restaurant and one of my food vendors– performance food.”

A reminder that while things are starting to inch back to normalcy, patience and kindness with your local restaurants does go a long way.

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