OXFORD (WGME) — A line stretched out the door Thanksgiving morning at Daddy O’s Diner in Oxford.

More than a decade ago, the owners of this western Maine restaurant began offering free Thanksgiving meals to everyone, but for many, it wasn’t just about the food.

“This is our first Thanksgiving without my mother-in-law, she passed away in August and we usually had dinner at her house. Let’s take the burden off it and let’s spend time together,” Amy Manchester said.

Daddy O’s co-owners Amanda and Aaron Ouellette serve hundreds of Thanksgiving meals each year, a tradition that started as a lesson for their children.

“It started because we wanted our boys to volunteer over Thanksgiving and no one needed volunteers because they had staff. So we thought we had a restaurant, there was a need, so it’s still in our community,” said Amanda Ouellette.

Now, 16 years later, the tradition continues to grow each year.

“It’s really fun, you know, you can see everyone smiling while having a good time, but it’s also something that fills our cup too. It’s really nice to get away from our daily routine just to see happy people again,” said Aaron Ouellette.

This year is particularly special since their two sons Issac and Cole Ouellette came home to help.

Isaac Ouellette expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am very grateful and proud of both my parents for doing this. It’s something that has a huge impact on the community and also on us because my fiancé and his wife are really showing it to us and hopefully showing it to the younger guys. It’s nice to volunteer and give back by putting a smile on everyone’s face.

Two hours after opening, Amanda Ouellette said they had already served more than 500 guests and expected many more to come.

Dine-in, pickup, and delivery were all available for everyone to enjoy their meals. The Ouellettes said it was the most delivery people they have ever had to deal with.

However, thanks to dozens of volunteers, Daddy O’s Diner was able to continue its Thanksgiving tradition this year.

Aaron said many local businesses helped donate food and supplies to make this possible.

That included 700 pounds of turkey, which Ouellette said they had been preparing for days.

Although the meals were free, donations received will be donated to the Daddy O’s Foundation, which helps support local food pantries and other community needs.

“The idea of ​​paying it forward is nice to see that people come, not for themselves, but to bring food to their neighbors or, if they live in a community, there are people who knock at the door and drop off food,” said Amanda and Aaron Ouellette.

The Ouellette family plans to perpetuate this tradition for as long as possible. Isaac Ouellette added: “It’s something that’s been a part of us for 16 years and I don’t see it stopping. »