x
Breaking News
More () »

Killen's feeds thousands of furloughed federal workers and their families

So many people turned out for the Furlough Friday event, Killen's ran out of the free family packs of barbecue.

PEARLAND, Texas – If you grill it, they will come -- especially if it's a free family meal from one of the best barbecue joints around.

Hundreds of federal workers who aren't being paid during the government shutdown lined up at Killen's Bar-B-Que Friday morning for the Furlough Friday offer. 

Ronnie Killen says he was taken back by the turnout after federal workers began lining up at 8 a.m. to take advantage of the deal that started at 11 a.m.

“It hurts my heart to see that there are that many people affected by what’s going on,” Killen said. “It was raining this morning, people were standing in the rain.”

The lucky ones who came early left with a family pack that included brisket, sausage, potato salad and beans. It's enough food to feed a family of four. 

They had enough family packs to feed 5,000-plus but even that wasn't enough. They ran out of food before noon. 

I kind of feel bad that I am not able to do more,” Killen.

The award-winning chef  said he will continue holding Furlough Fridays until the federal government shutdown ends.

RELATED: Deals for federal workers on furlough in Houston area

RELATED: Local businesses use #FurloughFridays to support Houstonians during government shutdown

After running out of barbecue, Killen started walking the line and handing out Cheesecake Factory gift cards.

He explained that he did a catering job for the Cheesecake Factory earlier in the day and asked for gift cards instead of payment.

Killen says he handed out about $1,000 worth of gift cards.

“This is awesome. I appreciate everything Mr. Killen is doing for the government employees, it’s great for him to be able to do that,” Gerald Steward, who works for NASA, said after get one of the family packs. “I won’t go hungry today.”

Steward say he expected to the line to be long, so he arrived around 9:30 a.m. He said the family pack would last about three meals for him and his wife.

“It’s nice know that you have a good community around you, taking care of you, so just grateful for that,” Gabriel Morocoima said standing in line with his two young children.

He says he got in line around 11 a.m. after driving over from League City.

Other Houston-area restaurants and businesses are offering deals for unpaid government workers.

For a list of the deals, click here.

► Make it easy to keep up-to-date. Download the KHOU News app now.

Have a news tip? Email us or message us on our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out