By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — It started off slowly at a free breakfast giveaway in Milford on Saturday. While a few people stopped by Main Street Bar & Grill earlier than the advertised 8 a.m. starting time, there wasn’t the lineup that has been seen at other free food offerings.

Perhaps it was because this was the first time that the meal involved was breakfast, rather than lunch or dinner, but for the first half hour, members of the Miotto family were literally flagging down cars that were stopped at the intersection of Main and Emeline streets, imploring them to drive through the makeshift serving area to take with them a breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage links.

Eventually, however, the people of Milford did rise out of their beds and make their way to the venue, which is usually frequented during later times in the day. By 10 a.m., they had handed out 250 styrofoam containers of food, ensuring that everyone who wanted one went away happy.

The bar’s co-owner Rich Miotto Jr., who shares that title with his wife, Tracy, said that they wanted to do something to give back to the people of Milford and the surrounding area who have supported them both before and during the current pandemic lockdown, that has seen their operation shut down to all but carryout service.

“This community has been amazing,” said MIotto. “We started cooking at 5 a.m. this morning and were really excited to do this for everyone who has supported us.

“We’ve definitely been struggling. We don’t have any ’employees’ (besides he and Tracy) but just people who help out, so we weren’t eligible for any of the federal loans. We’re ready to open back up (on May 11, per Gov. Holcomb’s plan). I think it’s going to be really busy when we do!”

In addition to Main Street Bar & Grill, the free breakfast was sponsored by J’s Home Improvement and Lake City Cleaning & Junk Removal.