Texas restaurant owner turns good Samaritan as much of state is gripped in brutal heat wave

Mary Perez, the owner of a Fort Worth, Texas, restaurant, has opened her doors to those who need a space to cool off for a while in the midst of the recent intense heat wave, according to KTVT-TV — and specifically invited members of the area's homeless community.

What are the details?

Perez, the owner of Enchiladas Ole, was giving out free drinks and snacks, as well as an air-conditioned place to cool off as scorching temperatures in North Texas soared into the triple digits.

“People in Fort Worth are kind and loving and friendly. It’s what we do,” Perez told the station, noting that many people have taken advantage of her kind offer during the dangerous heat wave.

Perez said she isn't concerned about nonpaying patrons crowding up her restaurant during operating hours, and insists it's completely fine for people to "stay here all day if you want."

“It’s just showing people that you care, and you can see it in their demeanor immediately,” Perez explained to the station. “Just come on in. Have some lemonade, and chips and salsa on us. Stay here all day if you want.”

What about other businesses?

According to KTVT, Perez said she hopes that her goodwill will inspire other area businesses to take care of the city's residents and community.

"Jump on board! Just get on board!" she said excitedly. "It's not that difficult. We all have space."

She also told the station that she is willing to maintain her open-door policy for as long as she needs to in order to go above and beyond in extending the hospitality on which she prides her business.