“Evangela Stanley, owner of People’s Choice Restaurant in Rochester, New York, is the heart of her community. Her restaurant is not just a place to eat. It is a place where people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for.
Even after being robbed twice, Evangela never closed her doors. She didn’t miss a day of work. Instead, she kept serving her customers with the same warmth and love that defines everything she does. She believes everyone deserves a meal, so she began offering pay-what-you-can-afford meals to make sure no one goes hungry.
Every year, she gives away bikes at Easter and has gifted over 500 to kids throughout the city. On Thanksgiving, she hands out full holiday meals for families in need. She puts out snacks daily for school children who might not have enough to eat. At Halloween, she transforms A parking lot into a joyful Trunk or Treat celebration. And during the holidays, she hosts an Angel Tree event to make sure children wake up to Christmas gifts.
When a woman passed away and her body went unclaimed in the city morgue for two weeks, Evangela paid for her funeral. She never knew her. She just couldn’t let a stranger be forgotten.
For the past fifteen years, she has also organized Sisters Giving Smiles, an event to support women recovering from domestic violence. She recently partnered with ten local businesses to serve free meals to the community. She continues to build bridges by partnering with local police and firefighters through her outreach and events.
Evangela never asks for recognition. She leads with love and serves from the heart. Rochester is a better place because of her, and many would say they cannot imagine their city without her in it.”