Since opening up her first restaurant, Natasha Potter has wanted to give back to the community that has helped her stay in business.
Having owned two Mr. Sub shops in Cambridge, one on Main Street and one formerly in Preston, Potter always thought it's better to be kind to those who need help and give back when you can.
"You know being a single mom with six kids, I know what it's like to struggle a bit," said Potter. "It's nice when I can give back to someone who is homeless or is just having a hard time affording food."
About six months ago, Potter and her Mr. Sub on Main Street started a pay-it-forward program that would allow customers to pre-pay for meals that anyone could come in and take.
Since the program started, they averaged around 15 meals being paid for and taken in one week.
"These are full premium subs too, so if someone is coming to take it they are getting a good amount of food," she said.
Working at the shop with her daughter, Potter has always wanted to create a family-friendly and accommodating space for her customers and the community.
Her goal with this program is to allow customers to help those in need and serve as a gateway for people to make small acts of kindness.
"When you add up all the small things, it really can go a long way," said Potter. "A lot of people want to help others and sometimes we just have to give them the opportunity to."
Some critics of Potter say she will attract homeless people to the area, but the Mr. Sub owner has seen it all and is not afraid to do the right thing.
"If someone says, this will bring bad people in, first of all, people are not bad because they are homeless. Some of the nicest people I've ever met don't have a home," she said. "If we just look at them like the people they are and listen to their stories, they are smart and have some of the biggest hearts."
Potter's son is a recovering addict who needed help during his struggles with addiction. She is able to put herself in their shoes, knowing what is is like to be on the other side of things.
"I've been there and done that and I know who my son was before. All of these people are someone's son or someone's daughter and they should be treated with respect."
Mr. Sub on Main Street is open and ready for customers to pay it forward or come and take a meal if they need it.
Potter adds that she has never denied a meal to anyone, even if she suspects them of just trying to take advantage of the program.
"I can tell if someone might be trying to take advantage of it, but if you are going through all of this just to get a free sub, chances are you could use it," added Potter.
"Hopefully more people will come and buy meals and continue to help those in need."
