Dan’s

It’s early morning. My eyes are barely open, and yet… I’m on my way to work. Too tired to make breakfast, I decide to dial the only restaurant I keep in my cell phone. On speed dial.

Dan’s Hamburgers.

Why Dan’s?

Well, they’re on the way to work. 🙂

And they make good, fattening, diner-style breakfasts. This is important to anyone who calls themselves a southerner. We revel in our eggs, fried apples, grits, and hashbrowns. Our biscuits with gravy and our ham with red-eye gravy. Well, depending on what part of the south you’re in, of course.

Today, I clicked my speed dial and ordered my usual: eggs and grits.

I entered Dan’s and the world of cheap, 1950s style diner unfolded before me. Counter help wearing white uniforms. Waitresses wearing maroon aprons.

Apparently, Dan was once married to Fran. When they split, the franchise split to become a few joints called Dan’s Hamburgers and others called Frans.

All I know is that back when I ate meat, Dan’s made a pretty darn good burger.

And they make good breakfasts.

I stepped up to the counter and gave my name.

Like they were heralding royalty, the counter help intoned: “Joy’s here!” “Joy’s here!” to the cooks in the back.

I smiled and had to stifle a royal wave.

A bag was produced, and my iced tea provided. I paid the fare and walked out to my car. There is something comforting and soothing about having breakfast at a place like Dan’s. It’s like walking into Cheers.

As I sat down at my desk to eat my creamy grits, I thought about things like warmth and friendship and good, down-home cooking. Thank God for Dan’s. It just starts my day out right somehow!