Soul food can bring a lot happiness to the those who need it most.

Restaurateur Paulette Johnson closes her restaurant in South Dallas, Texas, every Monday to give the less fortunate hot meals, toiletries and clothes.

Years before owning the Trucker's Cafe she grew up in a battered women's shelter where she learned how to cook. The experience made her sympathetic to others' plight.

"I just thank God for waking me up, (to) do what I do today. Because I know people out here struggling everyday," Johnson told ABC 8 WFAA. "It's still hard for me, but I'm just worried about everybody that I could help. It's just me, and if I can help and put smiles on people's faces, that's all I need."

The cafe fills up quickly when she opens her doors Mondays at noon. Everyone is given a number so they can receive a hot plate of Southern cuisine — no matter how packed the dining area may become, no one is turned away.

Johnson said she makes enough money for her family and daily necessities, and giving back does not affect her bottom line. When people leave her establishment, she wants them to have a sense of hope to go along with a full belly.

Dallas singer Captain Jack Watson comes back regularly to perform for customers. Once homeless, Watson now travels with a band after finding inspiration in Johnson.

"Just hug them and inspire them and let them know, somebody up there still cares, still loves," Watson said. "Never look down on anybody because you never know the next day that person might be up, and I'm a living example."

Trucker's Cafe

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