New burger joint aims to reshape lives

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WANE) - From the outside it may just look like another burger joint trying to make it in Huntington, but inside, it’s much more. Malta Burgers opened for business Wednesday. It’s a fast food restaurant aimed at giving homeless men a second chance.

Only one paid employee works at the restaurant. The rest of the men live in the Malta House , a not-for-profit men’s shelter in Huntington.

10 men currently live in the Malta House. They sign up for a year-long discipleship program with the faith-based organization, working six days a week in a thrift store, handyman program, or the new restaurant. The entire profit for Malta Burgers goes right back in to the organization’s ministry.  It receives no government funding.

“Our most important goal is that we train all of our guys,” said Kellie Herber, executive director and senior pastor at the Malta House. “If they're in the one year program, they go in and learn restaurant management, fast food management and all those skills, so that they can use those skills when they leave to find a job.”

Lunch hour at Malta Burgers was pretty busy Wednesday. That was good news for David Bye, the restaurant’s manager and only paid employee.

“I don't feel like I have a job anymore,” Bye said. “I feel like I have a mission.”

The rest of the men working at Malta Burgers feel the same way. Charles Smith, 26, currently lives at the Malta House. He said the program has turned his life around.

“You know the Lord, it's all about Him now,” said Smith. “He gets all the glory. He keeps me doing what I do and I know every part of it.”

Most of the men are educated and have extensive experience with fast food. Some have degrees.

Folks with the organization said it's already bridging the gap between the homeless and those more fortunate in the community, while bringing joy to both sides.

“I had a house, I had a car, I had all that stuff but I wasn't happy,” said Smith. “I would rather be at the Malta House with absolutely nothing and be happy, then not happy and have the other things.”

Malta Burgers serves a variety of foods including bison burgers, veggie burgers, cheeseburgers, fries, chili cheese dogs, and a smoked turkey leg. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the old Burger Palace location.

The organization is looking for volunteers and donations to help programming get off the ground. If you would like to help, call the Malta House at (260) 358-9380.