A Muslim-owned restaurant in London is opening its doors on Christmas Day for the elderly and homeless or otherwise “in need.” Shish, which specializes in Turkish food, posted signs on its doors that stated “No one eats alone on Christmas Day,” and advertised a free three course meal. According to CNN, the inspiration came after a chance encounter. An elderly woman walked into the restaurant and asked if she could have assistance closing a window. While helping her, the staff discovered that she would be alone for the holidays. The owner, Serdar Kigili, said the situation reminded him of his mother in Turkey. So, the team decided to come up with a plan. Now, reported CNN, the post has been shared more than 1,000 times. It has also reportedly inspired more than 25 residents to volunteer their time to helping on that day. A group of taxi drivers in the area have also said they plan to shuttle the elderly to and from the restaurant for free. "It's not about religion, language or culture. It's about community," one of the managers, Irfan Can Genc, told CNN. Genc told CNN that he hopes the store will set an example for the community and that other restaurants might grab hold of the holiday spirit of giving.

A Muslim-owned restaurant in London is opening its doors on Christmas Day for the elderly and homeless or otherwise “in need.”

Shish, which specializes in Turkish food, posted signs on its doors that stated “No one eats alone on Christmas Day,” and advertised a free three course meal.


According to CNN, the inspiration came after a chance encounter. An elderly woman walked into the restaurant and asked if she could have assistance closing a window. While helping her, the staff discovered that she would be alone for the holidays.

The owner, Serdar Kigili, said the situation reminded him of his mother in Turkey. So, the team decided to come up with a plan.

Now, reported CNN, the post has been shared more than 1,000 times. It has also reportedly inspired more than 25 residents to volunteer their time to helping on that day. A group of taxi drivers in the area have also said they plan to shuttle the elderly to and from the restaurant for free.

"It's not about religion, language or culture. It's about community," one of the managers, Irfan Can Genc, told CNN.

Genc told CNN that he hopes the store will set an example for the community and that other restaurants might grab hold of the holiday spirit of giving.