BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WLVT) - McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar in Bethlehem turned hundreds of pounds of potatoes into free potato soup for anyone in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
Owner, Neville Gardener, said he was preparing for his annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, so he ordered nearly 1,000 pounds of potatoes. “We were all prepped and ready for tons of business that week and then we closed,” said Gardener. They closed for dine-in because of Governor Tom Wolf’s orders, which meant they could not have any celebrations. But to avoid wasting all those potatoes, they came up with a better idea. “‘Why don’t we do something to help the community?’” said Gardener. “So that’s what we decided to do and make soup!”
The soup is available for anyone in need, no questions asked. Gardener said people have been taking soup to their neighbors who may not be able to get out of the house or for the elderly. “We’ve had some shelters contact us, so we’ll be making larger volumes for them,” said Gardener.
Red Stag Pub is serving free soup and regular menu items every day from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their location on Main St. in Bethlehem. If you want to place an order, just give them a call at 610.861.7631 and you’ll be able to get curbside pickup.