The restaurant chain known for their unique ‘pay-as-you-feel’ concept needs your help.
Lentil As Anything has found a place in the hearts of Melburnians for 20 years now. Named after legendary Australian rockers Mental As Anything, “Lentils” as it lovingly referred to, was first established by Shanaka Fernando to help support those less fortunate, providing a meal for anyone that came in no matter their circumstances.
However, now the beloved restaurant chain is in trouble and they are asking for public support, launching a GoFundMe campaign to help keep them on two feet.
Lentil As Anything needs to raise $150,000 by the end of October, otherwise they face going into administration which will mean they could close their doors forever.
“2020 has been a whirlwind year for us all, but it also marks Lentil As Anything’s 20th anniversary,” the restaurant said on their GoFundMe page. “Twenty years since Shanaka Fernando dared us to embark on this crazy adventure that began as a little restaurant in St Kilda that invited people to sit down at a table and have a meal together.
“No matter where they were from, or what their financial situation was, everybody was welcome, and no prices were set. At this little restaurant you could pay-as-you-feel; a new concept operating purely on trust and generosity, and endorsing inclusion and social fairness.”
Throughout COVID-19, the generosity of Lentil As Anything has not abated – over the last six months, they have continued to feed thousands in need through their restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney and via various food relief projects. As the restaurant refuses to step away from the ‘pay-as-you-feel’ concept that defines them, they are struggling to keep up with current monetary shortfalls and a mounting historic debt.
Help Lentil As Anything survive by donating to their GoFundMe page here.
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