Sardi's Chicken owner, former Redskins player providing hot meals to healthcare workers

by Ashlie Rodriguez/ABC7

Tue, April 14th 2020 at 4:35 AM

Updated Tue, April 14th 2020 at 6:41 AM

Sardi’s Chicken owner, former Redskins player providing hot meals to healthcare workers. (ABC7 File Photo)

ROCKVILLE, Md. (ABC7) — Business may be bad for Sardi’s Chicken owner Phil Sardelis, but he’s not letting the lack of income stop him from serving.

“We’ve been devastated... the amount of people we’ve had to layoff... “ Sardelis said.

With the help of former Washington Redskins wide-receiver Gary Clark, the two decided to cook up hot meals and hand them out to healthcare workers at Shady Grove Medical Center and the Montgomery County Crisis Center.

“They don’t get credit for what they deserve to get credit for,“ Clark said. “And a lot of times, they are the true heroes.”

Sardelis said the long hours that doctors and nurses are working in the ICUs and emergency departments are inspiring. Offering a hot, delicious meal is the least he could do for the people who are risking exposure to save lives. He was also touched by news the number of women and children fleeing abusive homes during this pandemic is rising, leading him to want to encourage the intake crews at the Crisis Center, who are receiving and housing potential COVID-19 cases and also risking exposure.

“it’s extremely heartwarming for all the staff, “ said Shady Grove Emergency Services Director Dr. Mike Oxenford.

Sardelis intends to continue handing out free, hot meals weekly, while also offer 20 percent off to all first responders at any Sardi’s location.

“People are in need and we need to help one another and we need to be there for each other,” Sardelis said.

ALSO READ:Nonprofit and Charles County restaurant team up to deliver lunch to health care heroes

Sardi's Chicken owner, former Redskins player providing hot meals to healthcare workers

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