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Honorable sandwich bar provides quick bite to eat

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By JODIE FAWL / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Jul 07, 2008 - 12:31:25 am CDT

Downtown on 14th Street — between the library and the bus stop — a sandwich shop makes people think about honor and trust.

Phreddy’s self-serve sidewalk café operates on the honor system.

Passersby pause. They stare. They look a little puzzled.

Story Photo
Dianne Harrop of Omaha pays for a salad at the lunch time Honor Bar on the corner of 14th and N Street. The bar operates on the honor system, it is run by Phreddy's Hot Philly's and only charges a dollar per item at the unattended bar. (Eva Barajas)

Why is that jar of money left unattended? Couldn’t someone just steal a sandwich, some cookies or a banana?

Ron Burns, who owns Phreddy’s Hot Philly’s and Wasabi Japanese Grill, says his friends think it’s a crazy idea.

 “They tell me I’m going to get ripped off,” Burns said.

One time he was. A man took the glass vase with $4 inside. When caught, he told Burns it was just too tempting.

And if people don’t put in enough money to cover all the items they take, Burns shrugs it off.

“If someone needs it that bad, it’s not going to break me.”

He started the honor bar in May for busy people with short lunch breaks.

He puts sandwiches, salads, sodas, fruit, cookies and chips on ice. The price? 93 cents — plus tax — per item.

Hungry workers grab their lunch and make their own change.

“We believe most people are basically honest,” Burns said.

Lunch customers at Wasabi watch to see if people pay, he said.

“Customers are almost cheering for the people to buy something.”

Lupe Hickey, who works at the State Office Building, said the homeless who frequent the street like the lunch stand — and they police one another,  Hickey said.

“It’s a very unique situation. It says a lot about Lincoln,” she said.

Reach Jodie Fawl at 473-7235 or jfawl@journalstar.com.


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Jared wrote on July 7, 2008 7:10 am:
" Looks like someone reads Freakonomics. Good on you, Rob, and good on Lincoln! "

 jk wrote on July 7, 2008 7:52 am:
" Great idea Rob! I hope nobody screws this up for you. "

 Paul wrote on July 7, 2008 8:41 am:
" Sounds like Mr. Burns' heart is in the right place! This does say a lot of "good" about the people of Lincoln. I'm curious, why is he passionate about doing business this way? Thanks for serving in our city Ron!!!! "

 Bill wrote on July 7, 2008 8:41 am:
" Interesting idea. I hope it works out. Sometimes showing trust is the best way to make someone "trustworthy". "

 uts wrote on July 7, 2008 8:59 am:
" nice reference jared, good book......great idea, hope it lasts "

 Don wrote on July 7, 2008 9:26 am:
" People like this are a rare breed. I for one will show my support, by going to Phreddy’s Hot Philly’s and Wasabi Japanese Grill at least once a week. "

 marcel killsenemy wrote on July 7, 2008 9:48 am:
" robbie is a great person which is why i have always spent my money at wasabi, when there are so many places offering the same things its good to have places where local people are offering us a choice that is not only different but very pleasant as well. i always recommend eating at wasabi! "

 L wrote on July 7, 2008 10:04 am:
" You also have to think that there probably isn't hundreds of dollars left in the jar at one time, I'm guessing someone checks it periodically. And if someone is going to steal stuff, it won't be much, it's not like someone would wheel up a shopping cart to the bar and load it up... there are enough people around and watching that you'd obviously get caught. "

 Hey wrote on July 7, 2008 12:13 pm:
" Does anyone know what kind of sandwiches there are? Any vegetarian? "

 CapableGirl wrote on July 7, 2008 9:17 pm:
" This makes me want to give business to not only the honor bar, but also Phreddy's Hot Philly's and Wasabi Japanese Grill. I hope others will frequent these businesses also... "

 Phreddys Phillys Phan wrote on July 7, 2008 9:31 pm:
" If you haven't tried a philly at Phreddy's you need to get down there pronto for lunch or dinner. As a person who misses the philly sandwiches from Chartruese Caboose, I have to say that Phreddy's has a great Philly as well. "

 Nina wrote on July 8, 2008 8:19 am:
" I commend Burns' philosophy, but am surprised this 'dollar for everything' is a hit. It sounds as if the items offered could easily be picked up on a weekly trip to the grocery store, put in the fridge and 'grab and go' when leaving for work...for a lot less than a dollar each. It's not as if there's timely preparation involved. "

 Lindsay wrote on July 8, 2008 9:01 am:
" It's a great idea...I understand where you are coming from Nina. Although on occasion I'm running out the door so fast I forget to grab my lunch...so it is a good option for those among us who are occasionally forgetful. "

 foxspit wrote on July 8, 2008 11:01 am:
" Rob's restaurant is not open for lunch every weekday and yet, yesterday when I walked by, the restaurant was closed for lunch but the sidewalk cafe was set up outside. This honor system and service to the community warms my heart. I plan to give Phreddy's more of my business. "

 thanks... wrote on July 8, 2008 1:40 pm:
" Just when you're feeling down or think everyone in the world is negative or against one another, I read a story like this and it makes me feel great. I like knowing that there are people out there who still believe in things like trust. Things like this are why I like Lincoln - just that "good ole neighbor" sort of feeling. Thanks!! "

 Oscar wrote on July 8, 2008 7:15 pm:
" I've seen stands like this in Manhattan. Just that "good ole neighbor" citysort of feeling. "

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