The next time you think you’re having a bad week, consider Randy Walters’ past seven days. The affable owner of family-run Pittsburgh Willy’s hot dog shop and Wimpy’s Paradise burger and ice cream parlor:
1. Has had his signature $4,000 hot dog cart stolen from behind his downtown Chandler restaurant;
2. Lost an entire week’s proceeds when he forgot his bank deposit bag in a cab after working extra late until 2 a.m.;
3. And, today, experienced cardiac symptoms on the way to work and was rushed to the hospital, where he’ll undergo surgery in the morning.
Of course, those who know Walters – and he has legions of friends among his customers and in the industry – know he’s been dealing with even more this year.
After closing Pittsburgh Willy’s original location in February, the move to a new downtown location has been delayed for months.
At the same time, the planned summer opening of his new restaurant, Wimpy’s, suddenly had to be moved up by several months when its space became available earlier than anticipated.
And then there was an unexpected series of eye surgeries that left him unable to work for nearly a month.
The guy’s gotta wonder, “What next?”
In my experience, restaurateurs are among the most giving people in our society. They’re constantly hit up to donate food, drink, and time for one cause after another. And most are just plain bad at saying no.
But I don’t know any that have stepped forward as often and as enthusiastically as Walters, whether it be a fundraiser for a cancer-stricken customer or a rally to collect dog food for a shelter.
Now that the shoe is on the other foot, I expect we’ll see an outpouring of support for Walters, who recently won an award as Chandler’s Micro Business of the Year.
From his hospital bed this afternoon, Walters took to social media. “All I would ask is please keep dining at Wimpy’s,” he wrote.
Who feels like a Wimpy’s burger this week?
(Update: A Go Fund Me page has been set up for Walters and his family. You can donate here.)
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