Matt Zacek of Z’s Catering and BBQ is no stranger to service. His business is built on serving people delicious food on a menu designed specifically for them. However, his service to his community is just as notable as his burnt ends.

Just in the summer of 2020, Z’s has served food each day in North Liberty’s Summer Lunch and Fun program. They gave away 60 family-sized meals in Cedar Rapids immediately following the derecho – and then took over 100 pounds of food to the North Liberty Community pantry. The crew followed up by corralling additional volunteers to help them serve the National Guard meals every day for two weeks while the Guard worked to restore the city.  The day after the Z’s team finished that, they posted on their Facebook page that they were giving away hearty family meals to anyone who lost their food due to power outages caused by the derecho. “…We’ll have a table set up, so just walk up and tell us what you like,” the post ended.

Since then, Matt has led efforts to hand out school supplies with IC Compassion, and supported his friend and fellow businessperson in raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, extending Z’s fundraiser to be sure goals were met within the company so Z’s could double their donation.

When asked what compels him to give back so prolifically, Matt said, “I think it is not the duty of the government to support social programs.  The business community should be the one to take care of the citizens in need in the community.”

Attention Voters! Locals Love Us is searching for stories of businesses that give back to the community by going above and beyond what is expected of them.

SOUND LIKE A BUSINESS THAT ONCE HELPED YOU OUT? WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT

The story could get published on the website! Not a writer? No worries, we'll edit it for you! Just give us the basics.