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'It's changed my life': Pakistani immigrant in shock after viral video about feeding poor


Several customers at the restaurant on Monday said they were eating there because they saw the viral video and wanted to support Mannan's mission. (Caroline Patrickis/ABC7)
Several customers at the restaurant on Monday said they were eating there because they saw the viral video and wanted to support Mannan's mission. (Caroline Patrickis/ABC7)
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Kazi Mannan is still in shock Monday morning after a video on ABC7 went viral.

"It's a big success that it's changed my life in many ways," Mannan said. "It got so much attention from all over the world. I'm overwhelmed and really excited that this message is going viral. What do we do next?"

Kazi Mannan, owner of Sakina Halal Grill, feeds the homeless and poor out of his restaurant on K Street in Northwest D.C.

His policy has remained the same for the last five years. If you're poor or experiencing homelessness, you eat for free. In 2018, he estimates they served over 16,000 free meals.

This year, he hopes to top that number.

Mannan says following the story on Friday, his restaurant was slammed busy Saturday and Sunday. He also says he's received tons of emails, phone calls and national media attention.


Several customers at the restaurant Monday said they were eating there because they saw the viral video and wanted to support Mannan's mission.

"A friend of mine on Facebook, who is a chef, shared the story and that's where I saw it" Solimar Santos said. "I said, search no more, that's where I am going."

Long-time customer Soulyana Lakew ate at the restaurant Monday. Lakew says she's always loved the food and culture but had no idea about the story behind his restaurant "I had no idea what Kazi was doing for our community members but I came here because it has amazing food and spectacular decorations," Lakew said.

Mannan expressed that he will continue his mission and hopes to use this platform to help more people. "I don't want recognition because I am serving humanity until my last breath," he said.

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