- November 23, 2024
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A stranded Tennessee couple were greeted with kindness and free food from the owner of D.B. Pickles.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
In most cases, you won't find much help if stranded in an unfamiliar city. But in Ormond Beach, you're greeted with a free meal and $100 for a place to stay.
In recent letter to the Executive Editor Brian McMillan, Arun Pandeya said that Peter Polzella, owner of D.B. Pickles gave him and his wife, Nalini, a free lunch and $100 towards a hotel room.
When the Pandeyas were on their way home to Franklin, Tenn., they noticed steam coming out of their engine.
“We left West Palm Beach early in the morning, Pandeya said. “(But) I saw steam coming out of the car and I said, ‘Man we have a problem.’”
After having their car checked out at Pep Boys, off West Granada Boulevard, they were told they would have to wait 24 hours for a part to arrive. That’s when they met Polzella.
“I overheard that they had car problems, and it didn’t sound like he was prepared for that kind of expense,” Polzella said. “I thought that was a shame, so I told them, ‘I’d like to buy you lunch and make your day a little better.’”
The Pandeyas were grateful, and Polzella let them order anything they wanted.
“He forbade his staff to take any money from us, not even tips,” Pandeya said in the letter. “My wife and I being vegetarians, it is not always easy to get good food. But the food at D.B.Pickles was excellent.”
After their meal, Polzella slipped them $100 so they could find a good place to stay. But Polzella didn’t take much credit for his random act of kindness.
"I don’t know why I did it,” Polzella chuckled. “People have helped me throughout my rough times, and I just had a feeling that they were not financially capable. We got to be good stewards in my community, that’s the way I was raised and that’s what I believe as a Christian."
All in all, the Pandeyas said their unexpected stay made them love the city of Ormond Beach.
“I hope you publish this letter in your paper, so the people in Ormond Beach can be proud of the kindness of one of their own,” Pandeya said. “Once again, my heartfelt thanks to Pete, and great appreciation for your beautiful town.”
