MEXIA, TX — There's a diner in Mexia that serves home-cooked meals and a place for the community to gather. They're feeding the need in town too.
From macaroni to chicken fried steak, the from-scratch cooking brings people together.
"It's really nice to come in here. It really feels like you're coming into a family," said Valarie Friday.
"We're Joe Friday's Diner and we have been open six and a half years. We're a classic 50's diner but we also serve grilled salmon, grilled chicken and we make everything from scratch," said Stephen Friday.
Stephen and Valarie Friday say the small-town support has sustained them through the pandemic.
"Hopefully people will keep supporting each other in the communities. It is a tough time. We try to eat local as much as we can. When the farm-to-market place opens up, we will support them. That's the main thing. Buying local as much as we can," said Stephen.
Their catering business was impacted during the pandemic but they began to deliver even to neighboring counties.
"We're just gonna do what we can and had to adjust like everybody else. It was hard to get some products and there's shortages on some things. It trickles down to us too," said Stephen.
But they consider themselves blessed and give back too. Kids eat free on Wednesdays and every day in the summer.
"We've been doing that since we opened and we do that during Christmas Vacation and Spring break," said Stephen.
Veterans, first responders and law enforcement always get 30% off their meal and even if it's a to-go order, they're prepping for a savory surprise for your sweetie.
"Valentines Dinner is our biggest day of the year. We serve a three-course meal. This year it's going to be surf and turf. Or you can get a duck breast. It is served with russet potatoes and vegetables. And complimentary wine is included," said Stephen.
The Valentines Dinner will be Saturday, February 13th and starts at 3 pm for the early birds. You can make a reservation or place an order by calling Joe Friday's Diner at 254-472-5105.
