On Jaden Smith's 21st birthday, he made an unusual request for his gift. He wanted everyone to check out his new vegan restaurant! Known as the I Love You Restaurant, the establishment works to combat homelessness and hunger in the Los Angeles, CA area.
"Our mission is to spread love to communities experiencing food and/or housing insecurity by offering water along with fresh, high-quality, and delicious sustainable meal options," says the mission statement on the website.
For those who might have thought this was all for show, Smith made sure that the mission was followed through. In fact, over 8,000 of L.A.’s Skid Row residents have since gotten a bite of Smith's vegan food. The restaurant has since opened another location in New York City to combat food insecurity there.
"You’re thinking about everything happening with COVID-19 and people having to stay home and all this stuff," said Smith. "Well, if you’re homeless, you can’t stay home… So we’ve been donating… everything that we can… vegan food, masks, clothes, hand sanitizer, and all different types of things."
Up until today, the restaurant has been a food truck, rolling through when needed most. However, plans are now in the works for a standing spot. The plan is to have a pay-what-you-can setup. Those who can afford to buy a full meal will be subsidizing a meal for the homeless with their purchase. Not only that but diners will be expected to pay for others' meals as well.
If you can afford it, stop by the I Love You Restaurant and buy a meal or two for those in need!