As families across Utah brace for the loss of federal food benefits on Nov. 1, one Park City restaurant is stepping up to make sure no one in the community goes hungry.
Mumbai House, the Indian restaurant on Main Street known for its warm hospitality and homestyle food, is offering free take-home meals to anyone who needs help putting food on the table. Co-owner Gurtej “TJ” Singh said the idea came from the anticipation of federal SNAP benefits stalling during the government shutdown and knowing local families will begin to feel the strain.
“This is a community that gave us everything. Everybody knows it’s hard to run a business, and businesses that have survived this long have only survived because of the community,” he said, “because of the people in the community coming back and supporting you.”
After discussing the situation as a family, Singh said they agreed the most meaningful way they could help was through food. As a parent, he knows how quickly bills can pile up, especially in the current economy. Providing meals, he said, is what they already do, and offering them to anyone who needs support felt like the right way to give back.
The family shared the announcement on a Park City community page on Facebook and received an outpouring of support for their generosity.
“I assist in running the Hill AFB food pantry and we are seeing such a huge increase in need, This is amazing!” said one commenter. “I am overwhelmed by your generous spirit. What an example for us all,” said another.
Singh said his family’s Sikh faith has always emphasized caring for others, especially through food. At the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India — the most sacred site in Sikhism — volunteers serve free meals 24 hours a day. Singh explained that the building has four doors, one on every side, symbolizing that all are welcome no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they are from.
That spirit, he said, has guided their family and their business from the start.
“It’s always been my dad’s thing, like whenever anyone needs help,” he said. “Our culture is to help anybody in need.”
Singh, who grew up in Sandy after his family emigrated to Utah when he was a child, said his parents instilled in him a deep pride in their language, traditions and values — something the restaurant continues to reflect.
Mumbai House has been an Indian food staple in Utah for more than three decades, beginning with its original location in Salt Lake City. Over the years, the restaurant has built a loyal customer base that has allowed the business to grow and evolve, including the more recent expansion to its Park City location in 2024.
What began as a single dining room has now doubled in size, with additional seating and space for large gatherings. Singh said the support from the community has made that progress possible — and the family remains grateful for the welcome they’ve received in Park City since their opening.
The restaurant is open daily from 4 to 9 p.m. If anyone is in need of a meal, Singh said to just come in and ask. There are no limits or questions to be answered, he said, and the free meals will be available as long as there is need.
“We will always help out the community however we can, because we’re fortunate enough to be busy. Everything is good, and we know people need help, so we can give it, even if we eat less or make less, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Singh explained that for his family, as long as people are happy, can feed their kids, and go home with a warm meal, that’s what matters most to them.
“We’re here because of the community, and we will always be here for the community,” Singh said. “You just have to do good and help whoever you can, wherever you can.”