It was like a holiday movie scene at a family-run tavern in Oakland County a few days ago when an anonymous man gave five dozen strangers a gift of grub and drinks.
Sportsmens Great Northern Grill on Dixie Highway has been family-owned and operated since 1890.
Monica Drake tells what unfolded on a late December afternoon:
About 60 restaurant-goers received an early Christmas surprise when a man walked into Sportsmens Great Northern Grill in Independence Township and paid for everyone’s meal — a $1,180 bill.
The man, who didn’t tell anyone his name, and his son came into the restaurant on Friday afternoon and first asked a waitress if he could buy everyone a round of drinks. Then he asked if he could buy another round of drinks. . . .
Sportsmens’ manager Helen Fulton said the man then got everyone’s attention and made a speech.
“The bar got totally quiet. He wanted everyone to know that they should be thankful for what they have and not worry about what they don’t have,” said Fulton.
The gesture extemnded to picking up all food tabs amnd "almost brought tears to people's eyes," says a post on the business' Facebook page. "Thank you, kind sir, for sharing the Christmas spirit here with us!!"
The small grill on Dixie Highway has been family-owned and operated since 1890, its website says.
There's no word on whether the jolly benefactor had a bushy white beard or said ". . . and to all a good night" as he left.
