Capt Wil’s Land and Sea feeds first responders, front line workers over the weekend

SAUCIER, Miss. (WXXV) — The smell of homemade BBQ chicken filled the parking lot of Capt Wil’s Land and Sea all day Sunday, as owner, Wil Phenice, prepared enough chicken to feed 1,000 front line heroes… for free.

“Really the guys and girls that’s out there every single day no matter what’s going on, fighting for us, working for us. Doesn’t matter what’s happening, you can count on them. And somebody needs to give something back to them sometimes. And that’s just really what is.” Phenice says.

All law enforcement, fire rescue, health care workers and others who helped on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, were served a full home cooked meal.

Stone County Constable Mike Allen, was touched by the gesture of appreciation.

Mike Allen tells News 25, “It’s just humbling. The citizens of Stone County– East and West side– very supportive. I’m just truly blessed to be there for them. To do what they need me to do and for the county.”

This isn’t the first time Capt Wil’s has stepped up and given back to its community during the pandemic. Between March and May, Capt Wil’s helped serve 17,500 meals to school children and elderly citizens in the community. Phenice, however, directed the applause to his community.

Phenice says, “And this community just honestly came together like you wouldn’t even believe. The people donating money to help, donating bags of chips and fruit cups and fresh fruits and just things like that to feed the kids. It’s really just a beautiful thing. It’s a great community.”

Although business has taken a hit during the pandemic, Phenice has continued to give back. He says, “It can’t always be about what’s in it for me. Sometimes you just have to think of others. And that’s where it’s at.”