A restaurant, closing forever today, is offering free food. But there's a catch: You have to say you didn't read it in the Times.
By EILEEN SCHULTE
Published June 20, 2003
[Times photo: Jim Damaske]
The Clearwater Train Station is closing today and giving away food while it lasts.
CLEARWATER - Today you may get a free lunch, or you may not.
If you don't, it's our fault.
We'll take the rap.
The Clearwater Train Station restaurant at 651 Court St. is closing its doors forever today. As a thank you to longtime customers, the restaurant plans to give away its fare: burgers, Polish sausage, chili, roast beef, hot dogs, fish 'n chips, onion rings, fries and ice cream. The food will be dished up between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Any leftovers will be given to charity.
All day Thursday, customers saw a red and white sign behind the counter saying, "We are closing when all our food is gone. All food is free. One order per person. Limit two sandwiches per customer."
But when a reporter got wind of the plan and asked about it, restaurant owner Fred Thomas hedged. Only some of you, he said, will get that free meal.
"This is a gift to our pre-existing customers," he said. "We don't want a riot."
And then the threat.
"If I see it in the newspaper, I'm going to put up a sign in the window saying, "No free food because the Times published this story,' " said Thomas, owner of the historic building. He's also a former city commissioner and founder of Pinch-A-Penny pool supply store chain.
Then he added: "I'm going to make the poster now."
Our dilemma was clear: news vs. food.
And though we appreciate a free hot dog as much as the next person, news won out.
Remember what they say: There's no such thing as a free lunch.
