Rochester restaurant extends pay what you can afford offer until Jan. 1

Mary Chao | Democrat and Chronicle

For a week, they came and they 'paid what they could afford' for delicious Jamaican and soul food.

But it was what happened after owner Evangela Stanley's offer of pay what you can afford at People's Choice Kitchen that blew her away.

"I'm so thankful for all the people who paid it forward," Stanley said, noting that she received gifts of thanks near and far, including from Atlanta.

Stanley has now decided she will extend her offer at her restaurant at 575 Brooks Ave. in Rochester's 19th Ward. Until Jan. 1, customers have the option of determining their own price. That's an extension from her original one week offer that ended Dec. 7. Three dollars, four dollars, five dollars, whatever the customer can afford, she said. It's her way of celebrating the holiday spirit.

People's Choice is known for Jamaican and soul food, with jerk chicken, curry stews and other favorites on the menu. Meals will come with a choice of meat, a vegetable and rice or macaroni and cheese.

Stanley has owned the restaurant for 18 years. She said she was inspired by other restaurateurs' generosity who have made similar offers.

"Right now, times are hard for a lot of people," said Stanley, who lives in Gates.

MCHAO@Gannett.com