Friday, October 5, 2012

Tim's Place - "Breakfast, Lunch, Hugs"

We arrived in Albuquerque today for the Balloon Fiesta which starts tomorrow.  After we set up camp with a few thousand other Rvers, we went to Tim's Place for lunch.
Last year we were watching the CBS Evening News and saw Steve Hartman's report about Tim Harris, a young man with Down Syndrome, whose dream it was to have his own restaurant and to be normal, just like you and I.  So, we went to lunch there as soon as we set up camp.  Tim is a remarkable young man.  He graduated Eldorado High School in 2004.  He was the Homecoming King in 2003.  He received two sports letters in high school for his work with the basketball team.  He is loved by all of his school mates.  Tim realized his dream when his father backed him in the restaurant business.  Tim's Place is open for breakfast and lunch, open 7 days a week from 6:30 to 2:30.  Tim is the owner, manager and greeter.  The sign out front says: "Tim's Place, breakfast, lunch, and hugs.  When you enter, Tim is there to give you a big hug and a welcome.  Debbie told him that we saw him on TV and that we came all the way from Florida to see him.  Tim gave her a big hug and told her that he loves her!  After seating us, our waiter Mario gave us menus.  The place was pretty busy at 1:20 p.m.  Tim came over and sat with us and told us that yesterday, October 4th, was the 2nd anniversary of this business.  We congratulated him.  He told us that he had gone to Florida a few years ago and went fishing in Key West on his Dad's catamaran.  He said that he loved the Key Lime pie that he had there.  He told us that he was getting engaged next year and that his girlfriend worked up the street at Albertson's Market.  He went back to greeting other patrons, then came back and sat with us again. He saw that Debbie was using her own Splenda, instead of theirs, on the table. (it was behind the napkin holder) He laughed and said that he had a lifetime supply in the back room.  He again told Debbie that he loved her and he went back to work.  After lunch, as we were leaving, he came dancing back up to say goodbye to us.  He told Debbie and Me that he loved us and hoped to see us again.  What a guy!

Debbie gets her hug

This is what I got when I asked Tim to pose with Debbie for a picture!
Tim's motto-  "I'm more like you THAN DIFFERENT."
Tim Harris speaking with Debbie at our table
                                                                                
In just 2 years Tim has hugged 25,225 patrons as of our visit!
They say " We are the world's Friendliest Restaurant"

Tim's 2003 Homecoming banner, crown, and jester


Tim's wall of accomplishments and honors
Tim's Basketball jacket
Almost 2:30 and closing time, Debbie gets a hug goodbye

Tim's Place-8050 Academy Rodd NE, Albuquerque, N.M.-stop by and see Tim
                                                                        

2 comments:

  1. I hear you also are in Florida. Tim, are you ever at this location???

    ReplyDelete