A restaurant owner in Milford is inviting people in need to have a sandwich on the house.

Walied Hanaif, the owner of Flames Mediterranean Grill, says he was inspired to give back when a homeless man brought him a gift for good luck before his restaurant opened.

Hanaif says the gesture made him start noticing people who looked like they could use a good meal but might not have the money.

"People, they have hearts," he says. "Customers try to give me $10 for the next sandwich, I say 'keep it,' I'm not doing it for the money."

Hanaif, who is Palestinian, says he wasn't thinking about politics or religion when he originally advertised the free food, but he says if it gets people to reconsider a bias that he will be very happy.

He also says he is thinking about how he can reach out to veterans who may have fallen on hard times.