Making A Difference: Local sports bar serves up kindness

Wheezy's fights the good fight for hungry kids

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Wheezy's Restaurant and Sports Bar has become the go-to place to take friends and family. Now it's the go-to place for those in need.

In just a few years the eatery has become one of East Yuma County's hidden, but not so hidden treasures. With their variety of drink options, wings and of course tacos the restaurant has become a fan favorite among those who enjoy a delightful twist to traditional cuisine.

But, when the world was hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Wheezy's along with businesses across the map had to reduce its services. In this case, it meant closing up its dining room and bar and dealing primarily in the to-go business.

The restaurant is owned by a family who are no strangers to food service. When the decision was made to close one of their businesses, deciding what to do with leftover food was simple. They gave it to the people.

General Manager Loula Stefanakos lives by one motto "Fight and never give up". When confronted with the issue of unused product, she and her sisters decided they would help those in need. Across the county people worried about where their children would receive meals. At first, the plan was to use the food they had, but it turned out that the need was greater than expected.

Weeks have passed and Wheezy's continues to offer children free lunches; but recent news that the school district is reducing meals to one day a week has Stefanakos worried, but she say's she'll continue to do what she does best...fight for what's right.

Families who need lunch for their kids just have to stop by the restaurant.