We often worry about the rising cost of living in the United States. Each day, we hear of businesses shuttering and people losing their jobs as the economy tanks. Some Americans have it far worse than others and rely on the kindness of strangers to help them get by. Ali Riza Dogan owns Ali Baba Mediterranean Cuisine in Manhattan. On Wednesday nights, you’ll find him in Chinatown serving food to those who need it. Not because he can, but because he wants to.
Videos by InspireMore
“Between 7th and 8th Avenue, doesn’t matter how cold, rain, doesn’t make a difference,” Ali told Today. “Every Wednesday night, we give them food around eight o’clock. I’ve been doing this five, six years.”
Ali Keeps Ali Baba Open at Night During Cold Weather
Ali understands how difficult it can be to have nowhere to sleep, so he keeps Ali Baba’s doors open at night for those who need a warm place to go. “You can stay inside. The heat is on overnight,” he hangs on the door.
Ali spreads the word about his Wednesday night mission to feed others on social media. On April 8, 2026, he shared a sweet message of love on Ali Baba’s Instagram page.
“Please never forget…One plate of food means one human life. Every meal you enjoy at Alibaba
becomes a warm meal for someone in need—or the homeless and immigrants,” the post reads. “We don’t see this as charity…We see it as humanity.”
The words touched many.
“This is incredible kindness. So inspirational. I live in Canada but I will say this, on my next trip to NYC, I am coming to eat at your restaurant. And if ever visiting on a Wednesday would love to help you serve dinner to the less fortunate,” someone wrote.
This story’s featured image can be found here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
