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LaFayette’s newest eatery cut its ribbon on Tuesday afternoon. Zēk’s 37 is open for business in LaFayette’s downtown square. The restaurant advertises its pizza, paninis and coffee bar at an affordable price. 

“This momentous occasion. Jerry [Roesly] and I have had this dream for over 30 years, that God told us that we were going to be doing a ministry that was going to be a unifying event,” said co-owner Veronica Roesly. 

The husband and wife have spent much of the last three decades traveling and preaching at churches around the country, before landing at Penton Church of God in LaFayette. Veronica spoke of entering what would become Zēk’s 37, and then it was Gimme Some Sugar, that, “this is the place.”

The name comes from the scripture, Ezekiel 37. In it, breath is breathed into dry bones to bring them to life. The Roeslys want Zēk’s to do just that, breathe life “into the dry bones of the community,” said Veronica. 

The new restaurant is walking the walk. The owners said they are most excited about 

“We are closed every Sunday for business sales, but we are open to be able to serve the public,” said Veronica of the restaurant’s “Big Serve.” 

“It’ll be between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, and we will be serving a meal out of these doors for anyone that comes through the door, no questions asked.”

“There are those who can’t come and afford pizza or going out,” added Jerry. “They don’t even know if they’re going to be able to have food on the tables.”

They are partnering with Krave Corner to provide the food, and hope local groups will volunteer as well. 

Zēk’s also offers a pay-it-forward option. When patrons come in, they can pay ahead for another meal to be given to a future customer. 

“During the week, anybody who is hungry is able to go and grab one of those tickets and be able to have a meal for free,” Veronica explained. “Because of you, because of the community.”

The pair said there has already been a lot of outreach and assistance from local businesses. 

“They’re buying into what we want to do here. We not only want to make it a place where people can do ministry, but where families can congregate and have a meal that is not going to be so outrageous, and so this is the place for it,” Veronica said. 

Zēk’s 37 is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, however, they close at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. Sunday’s big serves will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. CT.