A North Carolina restaurant may be either under fire or seeing an uptick in business after diners complained that restaurant staff paid special attention to people who prayed while eating, going so far as to put something unexpected on the receipt.
In the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, there is a charming restaurant that has garnered both praise and controversy for its unique practice. Mary’s Gourmet Diner, owned by Mary Haglund, made headlines for offering a 15% discount to patrons who engage in public prayer before dining. While the practice has met with mixed reactions, it serves as a testament to the power of kindness, gratitude, and inclusiveness in a world often divided by differences in faith and belief.
The origin of the heartfelt gesture:
Mary Haglund, owner of Mary’s Gourmet Diner, has a deep-rooted appreciation for the act of giving thanks. The daughter of a missionary and preacher, she spent her formative years in the Philippines where she witnessed firsthand the real needs of others. This experience instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings of life.
But don’t assume for a second that Haglund is imposing her views on any of her staff. The attendant is not obliged to offer a discount if one of them feels awkward or disagrees with it. In fact, Haglund never advertises a discount. Instead, it’s something employees provide only occasionally when they feel obligated.
Haglund said, “It’s just a moment of loyalty over a plate of food. It’s not even politics; we only act like this when we’re inspired to.”
The daughter of a missionary and preacher, Haglund spent her teenage years in the Philippines where she witnessed a real need. We are very blessed to live in this nation, she continued.
Haglund describes herself as spiritual and as a believer in a higher power, despite the fact that she claims to have lost her religion as she got older.
The restaurant’s discount can be traced back to Jordan Smith, who, on a business trip to Winston-Salem, stopped with two co-workers for breakfast at Mary’s on Wednesday morning. When Smith and her co-workers prayed over dinner, they got a discount, and Smith uploaded a picture of her receipt to Facebook.
The receipt quickly found its way to Orlando Radio Z88.3’s Facebook page, where it caught the attention of hundreds of people who “liked” and shared it there.
“We were praying over the meal and the waitress came over at the end of the meal and said, ‘Just so you know, we gave you 15% off prayer,’ which I’ve never seen before,” Smith. told HLN, adding that she was amazed at how quickly the photo went viral online. It was very exciting to see where it went from there, she added, only innocently sharing it on her Facebook profile.
The 15% savings “definitely surprised” even Smith, she continued: “The three of us were talking at the table about how amazing it was and what a great thing they were doing as business owners.” Of course, not everyone will agree. Before anyone objects and criticizes Haglund’s restaurant for supporting a Christian cause, the 60-year-old restaurant owner stressed that the discount is never limited to a certain type of prayer, religious viewpoint, or higher power. Furthermore, nothing in our laws requires companies to follow a strict set of rules governing discounts or promotions. Mary’s Gourmet Diner made this delightful offer entirely out of kindness and thanks to customers who choose to pray before eating.
With an approach that embraces different beliefs and expressions of gratitude, Mary Haglund offers this discount openly and inclusively. She recognizes that people of different backgrounds and religions may want to express their gratitude in different ways, and her restaurant welcomes them all.
It is important to understand that Mary’s Gourmet Diner did not impose this practice on anyone, although some may question the morality of offering discounts related to religious or spiritual activity. Instead, it was a voluntary act of kindness that the attendant started when she felt inspired.
Mary Haglund’s Diner is a place where people from different backgrounds can come together to enjoy a meal, express their thanks in their own unique ways, and feel a sense of belonging in a world where differences often divide people. The emphasis here is on recognizing the benefits of life and the sustenance provided by food, rather than following any particular religious doctrine.
In a world often marked by polarization and division, stories like that of Mary’s Gourmet Diner serve as heartening reminders of the potential of kindness to bridge divides and unite people. This practice exemplifies how acts of gratitude and inclusiveness can create moments of connection and understanding, transcending the boundaries of faith and belief.
Mary’s Gourmet Diner’s practice of offering a discount on public prayer is a reflection of Mary Haglund’s deep-rooted sense of gratitude and inclusivity. It serves as a reminder that kindness knows no bounds and that expressions of gratitude can bring people together. While the practice has drawn both support and criticism, it remains a testament to the power of compassion in a world where difference often dominates the conversation. Ultimately, Mary’s Gourmet Diner represents a place where all are welcome to share a meal and give thanks in their own way, fostering a sense of unity in the midst of diversity.