In a time when we can't all gather around a table, we can still come together as a community. We're Open Indy is a partnership between WRTV and our local restaurants and businesses with one goal: getting them through this tough time. Every day, we will help shine a light on the businesses that make up our community by telling their stories and rallying around those who are keeping the grills going, the hospitals running, and the businesses operating.
FRANKLIN — It's 5 p.m. in Downtown Franklin, and south of the courthouse, Main Street is quiet.
But inside Richard's Brick Oven Pizza, the centerpiece brick oven is ablaze, and a few busy hands prepare to feed hundreds.
"You know everybody is in the same boat here, and we have the ability, so we want to fill the need," Richard Goss, owner of Richard Brick Oven Pizza, said.
Goss is proud to partner with Chef Andres' World Central Kitchen, a global organization working to create food resiliency in the face of disasters.
"It just seemed to be the right thing to do," Goss said.
In a time of uncertainty, people in the Franklin community can know they have a warm meal waiting.
"We just come to the car and say, 'how many?'" Goss told of how the process goes. "We want you here; we want you to take care of your family."
RTV6 talked to a good samaritan, not wanting any recognition, who was picking up meals for her senior neighbors.
"There's just this … just this attitude of what can everybody do to help others, and I think that represents our community of Franklin," the woman said.
As she told the staff how many meals she needs, she said to us that people here, in Franklin, are not panicking.
"I grew up here, and my husband grew up here, and we moved back after living away, and it really is that type of community," she said.
And that's Franklin.
A restaurant like "Main and Madison" that closed up shop this week donated what they had in their kitchen to Richard.
The owner of a local cocktail bar, "The Mint," lends a hand in Richard's kitchen as well.
"Ya know, we just started doing this with no regard for funding, but, ya know, the community's — everybody — is stepping up," The Mint owner said.
If you are in need or know of anyone who is, everyone is welcome between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to pick up their meal.
Richard says they are always welcoming Monetary donations to keep this effort going.
The restaurant is also open for carry-out to customers.
Richard's Brick Oven Pizza
229 South Main Street
Tuesday - Thursday: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
