BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A simple offer of a free meal is turning into a major show of support in downtown Bakersfield after Tuesday’s hostage situation left many in the community shaken.
Locale Farm to Table began offering complimentary meals Wednesday to first responders, hostages and others directly impacted by Tuesday’s downtown incident.
Locale, Farm to Table is located in Downtown Bakersfield.
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Owner Heather Laganelli said the idea came from imagining what those affected may be going through.
“I just, I thought about… what it would feel like if I was going through a hard time, or if I was somebody that was working and had to work 30 hours without sleeping, I just, I mean, that’s hard, and I feel like… if I could do a little something to make somebody’s day, then that was my goal,” Laganelli said.
Laganelli said the response has been overwhelming, with hundreds of meals already distributed.
“We’ve passed out over 200 wheels to people that have come out for free,” she said. “It’s been really great to see people come out that have shown up in really big ways, and made a really big difference.”
When Eyewitness News arrived for an interview, there were some Bakersfield police officers grabbing a meal.
FBI agents respond after a man barricaded himself inside a building with hostages Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Bakersfield, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX)
Laganelli said the reaction from those receiving the meals has been appreciative.
“They’re just really grateful, and we’re grateful,” she said.
Laganelli said she hopes the effort reflects how Bakersfield comes together during difficult times.
“This is what Bakersfield is about,” she said. “I think that’s the one thing that we do so well, is we stick up for each other, and we support each other.”
In a message shared on Facebook, the restaurant, Locale said it will continue providing free meals through Saturday to people directly impacted by the incident.
The restaurant said guests can dine in or order takeout during the following hours:
Friday: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FBI agents respond after a man barricaded himself inside a building with hostages Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Bakersfield, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX)
The offer is limited to one meal per guest, and customers are asked to identify themselves to the team upon arrival or when placing a takeout order.