A landmark restaurant in the East Bay is shutting down tomorrow after more than 20 years of serving the community.

Salute in Point Richmond is known for its owner and her passion for giving back.

But after years of struggling to maintain the lease with the help of the community, she’s decided to go elsewhere.

A lot of people have shown up for dinner there on Thursday night. They don’t pay for the food, but what they do donate goes to the employees there.

Menbere Akililu is known not just for running a beloved restaurant, But for doing a lot of charity work in this community.

And even as she closes up shop this weekend, she’s raising money for her employees.

It’s been a dream come true for Aklilu.

She started as a hostess there in 1993.

A few years later, with a generous loan from a customer, she bought the restaurant–now a community staple.

“It touched so much this restaurant because the stories, because of the story,” Akililu said. “The event like Thanksgiving homeless dinner. Like how many people they came here. We serve 1,300 homeless every Thanksgiving. Children, mothers.”

Having survived domestic violence and the birth of her son in a women’s shelter, Akililu says her passion is giving back

“I love people. I am a people person,” Akililu said. “So, the restaurant is my platform to tell my story to inspire other people, no matter who you are, no matter from where you came, you can realize your dream.”

More than 800 people were there for dinner on Thursday night.

They eat for free but all donations go to Akililu’s 40 employees.

“It’s incredible to work for a place that’s more than just a job,” employee Jaime Dooley said. “But the things you do just ripple throughout the community. And you come, you hear people say, ‘Oh my gosh, you guys, Salute or Menbere changed my life in this way or that.’ It’s just incredible to be a part of that.”

Customers say they’re sad to see her go, but will follow her wherever she ends up.

“I was pretty angry at first, I think Menbere deserves better,” customer Ann Arbogast said. “I know we came out a while back when she was threatened and turned it around.”

On Friday night, Aklilu says she expects a 1000 people for dinner.

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