In the Jean-Jaurès district of Nîmes, a restaurant offers its customers the opportunity to leave any amount they want to pay for their meal. This concept is intended for people in need, but not only.
« It’s good, it’s clean, the cook is excellent and the service is impeccable. “. Hassan is one of the customers of this Nîmes restaurant unlike any other and he is fully satisfied with it. At first glance, “Su Casa” is similar to many establishments, with a reception, tables, a kitchen, meals and customers. But the difference is made when leaving the place. There is no bill, no note and no cash register. The customer leaves the amount he wants or can, in a metal box fixed to a wall, near the exit. The aim is to leave at least a symbolic contribution. The first contact is made, at the entrance, with Chantal: ” I’m versatile and I write down the names of customers, just to count the meals. I like being around people. By talking, we realize the misery around us. It’s symbolic, but we help them morally ».
Chantal is at the restaurant reception • Photo : Norman Jardin.
Alexs is one of the establishment’s cooks. • Photo : Norman Jardin.
41,000 meals served in 2023
In 2023, the restaurant “Su Casa” served 41,000 meals and this year, the average is 120 customers per service (eleven services per week). The concept, which has existed for three years, is original and above all based on values of generosity: “ Initially, it was for people hosted by 115 and the Red Cross. The goal is to offer a space of lightness around food so that people in need can feed themselves. There is a social dimension and it is non-excluding. We welcome all types of people and life paths. I am happy to help improve their situation. We must be united », Explains Mourad Berrada, the manager of the catering area supported by the Red Cross.
Anne-Marie does the washing up and sometimes the service. • Photo : Norman Jardin
The restaurant is regularly full. • Photo : Norman Jardin
Fruits and vegetables purchased at the Farmers’ Mas
“Su Casa (Editor’s note: “His house” in Spanish) is open to everyone and the money raised allows us to put a little butter in the spinach (and buy food). The structure, financed by public funds, operates with four full-time employees, one person on a work-study program, one part-time employee and 50 volunteers. The concept does not exclude quality and the third place buys fruit and vegetables from the Mas des agriculteurs. “Every individual has the right to eat properly. We sometimes forget that a sick person costs more than a well-nourished person, which is why we work with the health center of the city of Nîmes,” agrees Mourad Bourrada.
At the end of the meal, the customer leaves the amount he wants or can • Photo : Norman Jardin
Mourad Berrada: “We are not proud of having people”
The restaurant also aims to create a social bond and customers come to chat. For employees and volunteers, the experience is enriching: ” It fills me with well-being. I try to take a step back so as not to have too much compassion and I talk with some people,” attests Anne-Marie who does the washing and sometimes the service. There’s something for everyone, but paradoxically one of the Nîmes restaurants that attracts the most customers cannot be satisfied with it. “ We are not proud of having people », concludes Mourad Bourrada. Here no stars, no Google reviews and no glitter, but generosity in astronomical quantities.
