Savoy Bar and Grill in Saginaw hosts sixth annual Thanksgiving Dinner

In this file photo, volunteer Mary Dittmar, left, serves a friend at the Savoy Bar and Grill, 127 South Franklin in Saginaw, during the bar and grill's sixth annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

(File | MLive.com)

SAGINAW, MI — In need of a free hot meal or some company the day before Thanksgiving?

Downtown Saginaw’s Savoy Bar and Grill is opening its doors to the public once again for a traditional turkey dinner, complete with dressing, a vegetable, mashed potatoes and gravy and pie.

Jim Atwood, one of the restaurant’s owners, said the seventh annual meal is free to anyone who wants to come, regardless of circumstances. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.

“Anybody is welcome,” he said, noting that guests in years past have included Saginaw Valley State University students who can’t be with family for the holiday.

Atwood said the tradition stemmed from a desire to give back to the community.

“Unfortunately, there’s still a need for hot food for people, and we’re trying to make Saginaw just a little brighter, a little better,” he said.

Last year’s event drew about 575 diners, and Atwood expects about 600 this year.

“It usually goes up every year,” he said. “I think it’s because there’s a greater need.”

The Savoy Bar and Grill is at 127 S. Franklin, between East Genesee and Federal.

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Heather Jordan covers business for MLive/The Saginaw News/The Bay City Times. She can be reached at 989-450-2652 or hjordan@mlive.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.