Lentil As Anything!

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and thought "shit, that isn't worth (insert $$ amount here)". I like the idea of being able to pay as much as you think something is worth. Shanaka Fernado is a Sri Lankan immigrant- he is also the proud and successful owner of Lentil As Anything, a vegetarian restaurant that lets the diners choose how much their meal is worth, or how much they can afford.

With honesty playing such a major role in the success of Shanaka's business, you'd expect people to be ripping him off from all directions, but once someone paid $50 for one lentil burger! He also employs people from all standings of racial, social and economic backgrounds, like the homeless, young people and fellow refugees.

He says "It's good to realise that people who might seem ill-fitting in a conventional sense actually have some amazing things to contribute to a social model."

Lentil As Anything is a not-for-profit organisation, so whatever is left over from paying wages, rent and food goes back into supporting the business. When asked about his profits, Shanaka laughs and replies "I make profits! I make enormous profits- in the goodwill of others."

He was recognised for his amazing efforts by being named Australia's 2007 Local Hero, and I truly think he deserves it 100%. I wish the world was populated with more people like this.

http://lentilasanything.com