Monterrey Mexican Grill helps the community beat the heat

 

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- If you’re out to eat Thursday and you’re asked, ‘Indoor or outdoor seating?’, your safest bet is to stay inside. 

Some local restaurants are not even allowing their patio dining as an option in the intense heat and limiting service as the air conditioning can’t keep up.  

“It’s definitely warm in the kitchen, I think a lot of restaurant owners are dealing with that this week,” says Megan Ramirez, owner of Monterrey Mexican Grill in Mishawaka. 

Fat Cam's at Garver Lake in Edwardsburg closed patio dining Wednesday because of the temperatures, telling customers on Facebook it's holding off on reservations until the heat dies down. 

While Megan Ramirez, owner of Monterrey Mexican Grill is offering her restaurant as a cooling shelter for those who may need a place to go, no purchase necessary.  

“One of the things I love to do when there’s a need in our community is to figure out a way to help,” Ramirez says. 

While outdoor dining areas in downtown Mishawaka were noticeably empty Wednesday, Ramirez says she’s fortunate Monterrey's hasn't been slowed down. 

She says offering her space to those in need outweighs the stress that running a business can bring.  

“I don’t know if people have stopped in or not, but I’m really glad that they could have a spot to stop in if they needed to, and just cool off and relax,” says Ramirez.