North Vancouver Italian restaurant to offer weekly free meals to first responders

Roma Restaurant in North Vancouver’s Central Lonsdale will begin offering free pizza and pasta dishes once a week to local police, firefighters, health-care workers and search-and-rescue volunteers on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The initiative, called an appreciation night, will run every Tuesday and accommodate up to 25 people a week. Eligible first responders may reserve a meal or walk in with identification showing where they work. The program is planned as a pilot through the end of December, when staff will decide whether to continue it next year.

Siblings Shirin and Shawn Hatami, who opened Roma Italian Restaurant three years ago, said the idea has personal roots. Shirin said many of her family members and friends are doctors and nurses, and she has seen their daily sacrifices. Their restaurant is also within a few blocks of Lions Gate Hospital, the North Vancouver RCMP detachment and a fire hall.

After receiving care herself at Lions Gate Hospital, Shirin said she was struck by the support and attention from doctors and nurses. Shawn said the free meals are a small way to recognize people who respond quickly and do their best to help others. The siblings hope the program will build personal connections and encourage others to support their local community.