Local business owner helped residents during shutdown

By Brian Stanley
Bugle Staff

National politics in Washington D.C. is having a direct effect on the lunch menu of a Plainfield eatery.

Steve Buresh’s Cheesecake Store & Sandwich Shop, 14210 Lincoln Hwy., is providing free meals for federal employees who haven’t received paychecks during the government shutdown.

“My two stores in Plainfield and Oswego see a lot of regular customers who work as air traffic controllers and homeland security officers,” Buresh said. “They haven’t been getting paid.”

In the last month, Buresh has offered about 60 sandwiches and sides free of charge with the hope of easing their financial strain.

“They have to show I.D., but really, I can see it in their faces when they come in. They’re grateful,” Buresh said. “Many say they’re going to pay it back, but I’m not expecting that. That isn’t why I’m doing this.”

There’s no limit on how many times a federal worker could return for a free meal and some have come more than once. Buresh said he’s an apolitical person, but did hope the shutdown ends soon. While he’s gotten some criticism for giving handouts from his own business, he said the community support has been greater. Other customers have offered money to cover meals for the affected workers, as well.

“This shut down is going to end and (these employees) will still be my customers,” Buresh said. “They’re very appreciative. I’ve made some new friends and after they get their mortgage and the important bills paid, they’re going to buy extra cheesecake.”