Twenty five years ago, June of 2001, Damron’s Restaurant first opened their doors. And for twenty five years, when you place your order and your hearty, comfort food arrives you also get a heaping helping of genuine southern hospitality. Three-thirty in the morning, seven days a week, comes early at the Damron household so Gloria and her husband of 32 years, Mike, can get to the restaurant and get things started before the doors open at 6 a.m. And then it’s nonstop for Gloria and her small staff: prepping, cooking, welcoming, ordering, bussing, serving and cleaning til the last customer leaves about 2pm.

But if you listen to Gloria she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love people and meeting new people. I love the interaction with others and love serving the public. I have always wanted to have a place where people could come and enjoy a meal and fellowship with each other.” And apparently the love from Gloria’s customers is mutual.

This past Friday morning at 7 a.m. every table was occupied. Longtime patron Judy Redd offered, “I’ve known Gloria ever since she had a restaurant. The food and atmosphere are always nice. Gloria keeps everything nice and clean. This is my hang out place. I’m here four days a week eating with my friends.”

Sam Crimm was enjoying his breakfast when he said, “I eat with my friends here all the time. The food is really good. Gloria always takes care of us. She has a huge heart.”

Adena Midgett was enjoying breakfast with family. “I really like the food. I also like you are not rushed to leave. I appreciate all the free stuff she has on the entrance table like clothes, ornaments and vegetables. She’s given us full boxes of stuff before.”

The community also appreciates Gloria and her restaurant. She has earned ‘Citizen of the Year’ by the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce, earned ‘Best Breakfast’ for many years by readers of the Tullahoma News and has earned the distinguished ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ recognition by the Rotary Club.

Gloria practically grew up in the restaurant business. Her mother and grandmother worked in restaurants. Now Gloria’s granddaughter, Ashlynn, has grown up at Damron’s restaurant and works as a waitress and sometimes as a cook.

In addition to fine country food, Gloria Damron is also known for her generosity. “I have always wanted to give back to our community. When we opened up in our current location there were a lot of children in the area that would come in and ask if they could have something to eat. I would feed them. I realized there were a lot of families that needed help.”

“In 2018, Jennifer Ray had a similar vision to help the community and got in touch with me. That’s how ‘Come to the Table’ was born.” Now, thanks to the generosity of volunteers over 150 people are served a free, delicious hot meal every Tuesday from 4:45 to 6pm at Damron’s Restaurant.

According to Come to the Table co-founder Jennifer Ray, “Gloria Damron was immediately open when I shared the vision of Come to the Table-a ministry created to feed those in need in our community. Gloria has a heart for those in need, especially children and youth, and because of her commitment and generosity, many people have not only been fed but have also found a seat at the table and a welcoming community who knows and cares for them.”

When asked what inspires Gloria Damron to get up and go to work every day, she humbly answered, “The love of people and the community.”

To show their appreciation to the community, the Damron’s are offering daily specials to celebrate 25 years in business today through Friday.

Today, the special is the lunch buffet at half price. Thursday, June 25, buy one breakfast platter and get the second half price. On Friday guests can buy a cheeseburger and drink for $6.

When asked what the best piece of advice she ever received was, Gloria answered, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Gloria Damron is appreciative of the opportunities she has been given. “Tullahoma has been very good to us over the years. I love the community and the people we have met over the past 25 years. I am very proud to serve Tullahoma and look forward to what the future has laid out for us.”

Damron’s Restaurant is located at 714 East Lincoln Street. Hours are 6am to 2pm Monday thru Saturday and 7am to 2pm Sunday.

Lane Curlee can be reached at lcurlee@lighttube.net or 5810360.