WACO, TX — Lance Payne has worked at Jasper's for almost 10 years but it's run his family since 1919.
Jasper's actually started out as a fruit stand and turned to BBQ sometime later, surviving more than 100 years of business so far they're now surviving through a pandemic.
Not taking any risks he's checking on his employees daily regarding their health.
"We make sure there are no fevers, making sure they don't have any health issues. That they were in good health before they can even come in," Payne said.
Even when he needed help, he let the employees that wanted to shelter in place do so.
"He gave me time to take a break and quarantine even though the business was having a difficult time because every business was having a difficult time," employee, Sydney Eicher said.
Wearing a mask and gloves she's doing what she can to help keep herself and the customers safe, the customers she enjoys seeing so much.
"Interacting with the customers has been nice again, it's nice to get out of the house again," Eicher said.
Long time customer, Bo Atkinson, has been visiting Jasper's for over 12 years and he loves being able to dine-in again.
"I called another BBQ place today and asked them if their dine-in was open it wasn't and I called Jasper's and they said they were so I come right back down," Atkinson said.
Customers like Atkinson, are what keeps Jasper's and Payne going each day.
"It's been very rewarding when you have customers that are allowed to come in thanking you for what you're doing," Payne said.
You can follow Jasper's on their Facebook page for updates or visit their website.
Jasper's BBQ is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
