Christmas breakfast tradition continues in pandemic

They weren’t sure how it was going to happen this year, but they knew they had to do it.

For seven years on Christmas morning, Dan Ziegler has been opening his doors at Our Kitchen to those experiencing homelessness for breakfast. On the eighth year for this tradition, he leaned on what they’ve had to become very versed in: to-go orders.

"[We] wanted to keep it going even though it’s been [a] terribly tough year just keeping afloat," Ziegler said as a breakfast steak seared and his famous hash browns became perfectly browned.

"But, [we] still have the means to give back a little so I’m going to stick in there and do what we set out to do," he said.

Dozens of people and families at the Simpson Shelter in south Minneapolis gave Our Kitchen their order for their Christmas breakfast and Ziegler spent the morning prepping the to-go orders – all free of charge.

The issue of the metro’s homelessness has been very apparent this year – a year that has been filled with difficulties for organizations that usually help. For safety reasons, KSTP did not connect with a family who enjoyed a meal, but – on a very cold Christmas morning – a warm flapjack, hash browns and some bacon were likely greatly appreciated.