Zēk’s 37 celebrates one year of business and over 2,500 free meals served to the community

CONTRIBUTED BY ZEK’S 37

LAFAYETTE — Zēk’s 37, the family-owned pizza and coffee shop located in the heart of downtown LaFayette, is celebrating its one-year anniversary while also recognizing a milestone that means even more to its owners — serving over 2,500 free meals to the community through its outreach efforts.

Since opening its doors, Zēk’s 37 has become more than a restaurant for many in Chambers County. Built around the mission of “faith, family, food,” the business was created to be a welcoming place where people could gather, build relationships and find encouragement alongside great food and coffee.

One of the restaurant’s most impactful outreach efforts has been The Big Serve, a weekly community meal initiative that provides free meals to anyone in need every Sunday. Through the support of local churches, businesses, organizations and community members, Zēk’s 37 has now served more than 2,508 meals through The Big Serve alone.

In addition, the restaurant’s Pay It Forward board has helped provide more than 1,040 meals to individuals and families facing financial hardship, while additional summer outreach efforts have helped provide meals to local children and families through community partnerships.

“We never wanted Zēk’s 37 to simply be a place people came to eat,” said Veronica Roesly, co-owner of Zēk’s 37. “We wanted it to be a place where people felt seen, loved and connected. Watching this community rally together to help feed and encourage others has honestly been one of the greatest blessings of our lives.”

Over the past year, Zēk’s 37 has also hosted live music events, youth gatherings, family game nights, prayer initiatives and community-focused activities designed to help revitalize downtown LaFayette and create a welcoming environment for all ages.

The owners credit much of the restaurant’s success to the support of the community, churches, volunteers and partnerships with organizations throughout Chambers County.

“As we celebrate one year, we are incredibly thankful,” said Jerry Roesly, co-owner of Zēk’s 37. “Every pizza served, every cup of coffee shared, every meal donated and every conversation across a table has helped tell a bigger story of community and hope.”

Zēk’s 37 plans to continue expanding its outreach efforts while growing as a family-centered gathering place for the LaFayette community.