Dr. Oz delivers $10,000 grant to Boonton restaurant operator who fed neighborhood during COVID

Mickey Chopra lives on the philosophy of “you give, you get back again.”

© Cheryl Crowley
Mickey Chopra, owner of I2I Indian Italian Fusion and Vinnie’s Pizzeria in Boonton, receives a shock take a look at from Dr. Oz to tape a “Restaurant Rescue” phase of “The Dr. Oz Show,” airing Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.

Past week, Chopra was on the obtaining conclusion soon after months of aiding to feed the group in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic from his dining establishments, I2I Italian and Indian Fusion and Vinnie’s Pizza and Ristorante, on Main Avenue in Boonton.

Like most restaurant house owners, Chopra’s business had fallen off substantially considering the fact that the beginning of the pandemic virtually a yr in the past. In spite of profits dropping to “less than $100 a working day,” Chopra kept the enterprise open up and his staff on the payroll as he well prepared thousands of meals that ended up delivered to hospitals and 1st responders through New Jersey.

© Cheryl Crowley
Mickey Chopra, operator of I2I Indian Italian Fusion and Vinnie’s Pizzeria in Boonton, with his relatives right after finding a shock visit from Dr. Oz to tape a “Cafe Rescue” segment of “The Dr. Oz Clearly show,” airing Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.

His charity and determination caught the focus of Dr.Mehmet Oz, whose output team labored with Chopra for a Television show section.

On Jan. 25 a video crew arrived as scheduled to the restaurant for the segment. Later that working day, to Chopra’s shock, Oz walked in to interview him, flavor his food items and existing a collection of video tributes to him together with Mayor Richard Corcoran, who brought a proclamation from the town.

After the tributes and a pay a visit to to the kitchen, Oz offered one more video tribute, this time from Door Sprint COO Christopher Payne, who announced Chopra would acquire a $10,000 grant and “white-glove provider” to set up a new web-site.

© Cheryl Crowley
Mickey Chopra, operator of I2I Indian Italian Fusion and Vinnie’s Pizzeria in Boonton, gets a surprise check out from Dr. Oz to tape a “Cafe Rescue” section of “The Dr. Oz Present,” airing Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.

“I gave away a ton of free of charge foods, and I bought a return, so God was looking at,” mentioned Chopra, who confirmed Oz the goosebumps the surprises elevated on his arm.

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One particular information of thanks arrived from Sen. Anthony Bucco, one more from Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.

“You were right here for us Mickey, now it is our convert to say thank you to you,” Bucco stated in a video clip.

One more came from Sgt. Gil Benitez of the Mountain Lake Police, who thanked him for pizza deliveries.

Throughout the Television job interview, Chopra shared his journey that started as a 19-12 months-aged immigrant from India who worked his way from entry-stage jobs to eventually understand his dream of owning a restaurant.

“I am the great example of the American Desire,” Chopra told Oz.

Thursday, as term of his Tv location and grant circulated as a result of the local community, Chopra vowed to donate 10% of his grant to space charities.

Chopra’s segment airs 1 p.m. Friday on “The Dr. Oz Exhibit,” seen on FOX5 in New York.

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This post originally appeared on Morristown Each day File: ‘God was watching’: Dr. Oz delivers $10,000 grant to Boonton restaurant operator who fed local community throughout COVID