Owner of Site Pizza Bar in Little Bay Glen Mezei explains why he gives away hundreds of meals every month

A restaurant owner is giving away hundreds of meals every month as Aussies struggle with the rising cost of living.

Glen Mezei, founder of Site Pizza Bar, has helped feed the community since 2020, when he saw Aussies struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Mezei opened his first dream restaurant in Little Bay on Sydney’s eastern beaches in 2013, followed by another in nearby Maroubra in 2019, but is now giving back to his local communities.

The father-of-three told Daily Mail Australia that locals are now battling more than ever as high rents, high-interest rates, and punishing inflation hit families.

‘Times are tough; I’ve seen more and more homelessness and people struggling in the last year than I’ve ever seen in my life,’ Mr Mezei said.

‘Even the unexpected people are suffering, not just the homeless, the housing commission, but actually everyone.’

Mr Mezei, along with his staff and family, volunteer in helping the Chopping Circle – a charity which provides food for homeless and food-stressed households – in Martin Place every second Sunday (pictured) 

Despite his own financial struggles and having to close his Alexandria location due to staff shortages – Mr Mezei gives back to the community as much as he possibly can. 

Mr Mezei, along with his staff, prepare anywhere between 50 to 80 meals on a Sunday, which are then put out at the front of his restaurant in Little Bay every Monday.

He added the shop remains closed on Monday, with people able to grab a free meal, or two, available to anyone who needs it with ‘no judgement’.

‘I put the meals out the front of my shop… you don’t have to ask, you don’t have to say “thank you”, we’re not open,’ Mr Mezei said.   

‘Some people don’t like to go to these places and be seen, so basically there is no need to say anything. 

‘If it helps and makes a difference to your day or your neighbours, just come down and grab a meal.’ 

Every Saturday, Mr Mezei also works alongside Ian Schaffer, co-founder of Street Buffet Woolloomooloo and Maroubra charity, which offers buffet style meals to the homeless, at risk individuals and disadvantaged families. 

The busy small-business owner can also be seen every second Sunday in Martin Place, helping alongside the Chopping Circle – a charity that prepares food and communal dinner for homeless and food-stressed households. 

He and his staff prepare anywhere between 50 to 80 meals every Monday, which are available with ‘no judgement’ outside his Little Bay restaurant, for anyone struggling with the cost-of-living crisis (pictured, Mr Mezei and his eldest daughter Jade) 

The father-of-three said he does all he can to help those in need, claiming ‘there is more to life than having money lining my pockets’ (pictured, Mr Mezei with his youngest daughter Amie)

He added the Little Bay restaurant will close on March 30 as he, along with family and staff, will volunteer in Martin Place over the three-day Easter long weekend. 

Mr Mezei said he would rather ‘make a better Easter for some’ by spending his money on charity and trying to help as many people has he can. 

‘There’s more to life than having money lining my pockets,’ Mr Mezei said. 

‘It’s tough, and I just think a few $100 here or there is not going to change my life but it can definitely change others.’

As a father, Mr Mezei explained he is able to set a good example for his three children by doing what he can to help those in need.

The restaurant owner said he ‘would never try to put himself on a pedestal and call out others’ because the cost-of-living crisis is ‘not easy’ on small businesses

Mr Mezei urged local and state governments to do more when it comes to providing aid to homeless, disadvantaged and at risk Australians.

‘Local governments and councils should acknowledge and maybe help a little bit,’ Mr Mezei said. 

‘They can see all these people making efforts on the back of their own pockets, so they should have a look at who’s helping the communities and offer some sort of assistance so they can help more people. 

‘If we don’t help than no one else will. I would love to put 200 meals out on a Monday, but I just can’t afford it.’

Mr Mezei encouraged anyone who would like to help alongside Chopping Circle to join them outside the Reserve Bank on Macquarie Street in Martin Place on Saturday, March 30. 

He added those who would like to donate food, clothing and warm blankets can drop the items off at Site Pizza Bar in Little Bay and Maroubra or contact Chopping Circle directly.