'Pay what you want' at Island Hi community event

MONDAY, MAY 21: One restaurant is playing up the recession by inviting diners to come in and pay whatever they want for their meal.

Island Hi Eatery will host the event on Wednesday evening just in time for the May 24 holiday from 5 to 9pm.

Owner Ian Carr said the idea came from something he saw a restaurant do in the US.

“It works well for people who need it and for people who can give more as well,” he said.

“We have done things in the past where you might say, ‘I’m going to give away the first bit free’ but if we say you pay what you can, then hopefully it hits a wider audience and there’s a lot of people who like to give. “

Asked if there would have to be a minimum payment, Mr Carr said: “We are leaving it open, basically just pay what you can for that night.

“If you get a wrap or sub and you can pay $4, that’s cool.

“Hopefully there will be a balance of people who can only give so much and those who can give more.

“We haven’t done it before so it will be interesting to see.”

Mr Carr said he feels the event ties in nicely to Bermuda Day.

“It’s nice to have the community feel and the community love.”

The event takes place from 5 to 9pm.