Mayor Lori Blong invites all Midlanders to experience a nostalgic meal at Addie’s Diner, located at 304 E. Florida Ave. The establishment is a 1950s-style eatery.
According to the mayor’s July 16 Facebook post, Addie’s Diner was established in 2011 by Janie Garcia and her father, whose dream was to run a place where people could converse over a cup of coffee.
Garcia’s father, who was the grandfather to two of her daughters Nicole and Natalie, succumbed to cancer. However, his family chose to keep the eatery open to honor him, the post said.
Blong further explained that Garcia herself passed away from COVID-19 in 2021, leaving Addie’s to Nicole and Natalie. Just as they did with their late grandfather, the women decided to continue with the business as a way to pay tribute to a loved one.
The post said that the women struggled with grief and operating the restaurant, but Nicole felt it must carry on for her mother.
The Garcia matriarch had a dream of being on television, which was fulfilled when Addie’s was featured on "Texas Country Reporter," according to the post. Garcia had dreamed of appearing on Guy Fieri’s "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
Blong said that the culinary highlights at Addie’s include Nana's catfish, pancake breakfast, two egg breakfast, and chicken fried steak. The place is also known for giving back to its community.
In its 18-year history, Addie’s has offered free breakfast and lunch to struggling children and served the homeless every Thanksgiving.