Brad Cobern, owner of Uncle Bubba’s in Mineola and Red Dome in Quitman, paid for and delivered meals ordered from another independently-owned restaurant in Mineola to Mineola city hall administrative staff on Thursday.

City staff tried to discourage him from doing this during such a difficult time for businesses, but he called doing so a “blessing” and asked that he be allowed to do it.

The restaurant owner said he did this because he believes in “paying it forward,” and he wants to help his fellow restaurant owners and managers. He also hopes to inspire others to do the same.

“We’re all in this together,” he said of the pandemic crisis.

City Manager Mercy Rushing said, “The City of Mineola is indeed blessed with a caring business owner, Mr. Brad Cobern, who is not thinking of just his business, but about wanting to help his community while also supporting other local restaurants showing his genuine heart.”