Furloughed Federal Employees Offered Free Breakfasts in Logan

LOGAN, Utah – Some things just don’t seem to mix. Like cold weather and Louisiana Cajun cooking.

However, things are going so well for MayMoes in Logan, owner Jason Davis recently moved his restaurant into a bigger building.

“We doubled in size,” said Davis, who is originally from Louisiana but decided to stay in Logan. “We love it here. People have embraced us.”

For as good as his shrimp and po’ boy sandwiches are, though, it’s his breakfast that really brought people in Saturday morning.

The thing is, though, you can’t find breakfast on the menu.

In fact, MayMoes isn’t even open in the morning.

“I’m a huge believer in karma. It’ll come around,” said Davis with a big smile.

That’s because Davis is making breakfast and has been giving it away for free.

He knows there are a lot of federal government workers in the area who aren’t getting paid right now.

“We’re far from having very deep pockets, I’ll tell you that right now,” said Davis with a laugh. “But it doesn’t worry me. I figure, it’ll always work out.”

Ever since the federal government shutdown began, Davis has been opening MayMoes on Saturday mornings to give a free breakfast to furloughed employees.

There are pancakes, waffles, sausage, and everything else you would expect to find in a good old fashioned breakfast.

“I don’t know. It’s what people do. Some people were in need and so we stepped up and filled that need,” he said. “We try as hard as we can to satisfy every single customer. Whether they pay us or not.”

As the shutdown continues, more federal workers are coming in with their families.

“It’s a very nice thing of Jason and the rest of them to do and the government employees really appreciate it,” said Andy Meerdo, who works for the federal government. “We have a child with special needs. He has Angelman Syndrome and he has seizure medication we have to buy and everything like that.”

Even though they do have some savings, Meerdo say his family is concerned with how much longer they can go without a steady paycheck.

“You don’t know and it’s out of your hands because, you know, people in Washington are deciding your fate,” said Meerdo.

It’s why Davis started giving away breakfast meals.

He admits it breaks his heart to hear stories about how some federal workers are really starting to worry.

So, he figures, if he can take their minds off of it, even for a few minutes, why not try?

“The stress is what does it,” said Davis.

Inside his restaurant, though, the only stress Davis wants people to have is whether or not to get seconds.

“When they put me six feet under, I want my kids to not be embarrassed of my name,” he said while cooking. “That’s why we’re going to cook this until we run out of money or food every week.”

It’s enough to feel the warmth even on a cold January day.