Texas Roadhouse owner provides hot meals for teachers, first responders: coronavirus hero

PennLive wants to shine a spotlight on people whose acts of kindness provide some good news in these dark times. If you know a coronavirus hero — someone who has inspired you with their generosity or a selfless act — please tell us about them by emailing newstips@pennlive.com

Talond Luckette was legendary Tuesday, and that probably broke his kitchen manager’s heart.

But it sure did put smiles on a lot of faces in Harrisburg, and in what has been a crazy couple of weeks filled with shutdowns and coronavirus fears, he’ll take it.

“I’m from this community,” Luckette said. “And I just wanted to find a way to give back in a time like this.”

“Legendary” is a word Luckette has learned to love because it’s a key in Texas Roadhouse’s advertising pitch — “Legendary Food, Legendary Service,” is up front on the website. And the 33-year-old Harrisburg High grad owns the Texas Roadhouse out on Union Deposit Road.

He watched his community suffer the past couple weeks to the point that he had enough. So, he did what he believed any good restaurant owner might when it comes time to try to change his community’s outlook.

He cooked.

A lot.

Enough for 1,500 or so free meals handed off to a long line of cars filled with the city’s police and fire employees as well as school district employees.

“Probably over 150 pounds of pulled pork, 200 pounds of grilled chicken, 200 pounds of mashed potatoes, maybe 100 pounds of corn and our legendary rolls, too,” he said.

But that’s not what broke the kitchen manger’s heart. That was the steak.

“We cooked probably four cases of sirloins,” Luckette said with a laugh.

Harrisburg High athletic director Calvin Everett got the memo and made the trek out to the restaurant.

“I had the sirloin and it was great,” Everett said. “It was nice for (Luckette) to extend his hand and offer that gesture.”

“I do food,” Luckette said. “So, this was easy.

“It’s good to see everyone happy.”

Legendary.

And it didn’t go unnoticed.

“This is just another example of how the community of Harrisburg continues to rise through challenges,” Harrisburg Supt. Of Education Chris Celmer said. “This just shows how much he absolutely cares and wants to help people in these uncertain times.”

MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS

Harrisburg gun seller’s sales have been ‘out of this world’ the past week amid coronavirus fears

Amid coronavirus supply shortages, Pennsylvania health officials project calm, faith in federal help

Pa. Dept. of Education cancels PSSA, Keystone exams because of coronavirus

Coronavirus advice for pet owners

Coronavirus symptoms: Is it COVID-19 or allergies or something else?

Easy recipes you and the kids can make while staying home during coronavirus pandemic

How long can coronavirus germs last on plastic, cardboard and more?

Who is Rachel Levine? Pa. health secretary offers calm, reassurance amid pandemic

Coronavirus in Pa.: How to get help with bills, food and more

-- Follow Brian Linder on Twitter, @SportsByBLinder

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.