As anyone who’s ever spent any time there can tell you, Chicago is called ‘the Windy City’ with good reason. In winter, when there’s a stiff breeze blowing off Lake Michigan pedestrians often feel more like popsicles than people, making getting in out of the bitter cold a priority.

But when your job is strictly outdoors, staying warm and toasty isn’t an option—unless someone comes to your rescue, that is.

Chicago restauranteur Robert Magiet was driving across town one morning when he spotted a shivering tamale vendor braving the frigid January temperatures. On the spur of the moment, he decided to make her an offer she couldn’t refuse.

Rather than let the woman—who was wearing so many layers of clothing she looked a bit tamale-like herself—turn into a tamale popsicle, Magiet bought out her entire day’s supply—close to 10 dozen tamales, gave her a big tip, and sent her on her way.

After she’d gratefully gone home, Magiet loaded up the copious quantities of tamales he’d purchased and distributed them to some of Chicagoland’s homeless population.

Pleased with the outcome of the morning’s events, Magiet took to Facebook to see if he could continue the trend: “Anyone know of any Tamale Cart vendors that will be out this weekend in the cold weather?” he posted.

“I went to Yolanda near Humboldt Park and bought her out so she could go home today. I’d love to do the same for other Vendors and distribute the Tamales to our Neighbors experiencing homelessness. Let me know of any leads please.”

In the following days, armed with suggestions, Magiet bought up all the tamales from vendors at three different locations. And again, after generously tipping the sellers whose trade had been severely curtailed by both the weather and the lockdown, he shared their wares with people in need.

After opening a Love Fridge community food pantry outside his TaKorea Cocina restaurant this past June, Magiet teamed up with the owners of Fatso’s Last Stand and Jack & Ginger’s restaurants to prep and deliver 1,300 Thanksgiving meals for the needy.

“It’s like, I have a restaurant. I have food. I know people who have restaurants and food. Let’s help people who need food,” Magiet told the Chicago Tribune.

Read more about this wonderful story here!

(Photo courtesy of Robert Magiet/Facebook)

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