Time flies. I am behind. Actually, I got distracted during 2007 and made absolutely no headway in pulling together memories for Mother's Book.
Now, come February 17th, she will be 80. See if any of these names ring a bell--if so, please contact us by email. UNLESS, you happen to be in the area, then just stop by and bring your contribution in writing.
Here is the information: The restaurant is now called: "Lorene's Mexican Kitchen". Previously, it was called the Village Restaurant. The location: Borger, TX. If you were ever there, you will remember, I guarantee it!
Mother's name is Lorene Richardson. My two brothers, Scott and Max Richardson are leaders in running the restaurant now. My sisters and I have all worked there at some time in our lives. You know my name (my maiden name was "Woods", some of my classmates will remember me by my first name "Mary"). My sisters are Patti and Shelia both
OLDER than me.
I am excited for my visit home for Mother's birthday. I
am homesick! My husband and children don't get it. Borger seems boring to them, hey, it used to be boring to me, too. But, its special going home for a visit. After I'm away for awhile I crave a visit to the canyons, and the Borger sunrise and sunset.
The restaurant is as much home to me as visiting in mother's home. I could sit in the restaurant my whole visit if family would allow it--you never know who will be walking in the door!
There is nothing quite like growing up in a family restaurant in a town like Borger. My memory has a few serious kinks in it because of a serious car accident resulting in head injury. That's why I'm calling everyone in for help.
I believe it all started about mid 60's when my mother was working for my now deceased step father, Rich Richardson. The original restaurant was a tiny green building, I believe on Cedar Street. Mother and Rich married and had the Village for many years in several locations in Borger. There were most known for their special Tex-Mex cuisine and absolutely addicting Chili Rellenos, with unlimited warm tortilla chips and custom salsa/hotsauce.
Most anyone who visited became a regular customer. Part of it was the food, and part of our "allure" was our family and employees that were like family. I remember growing up--customers were the ones who helped build my self confidence. There was one woman named Jerri that would always tell my sister and I to "straighten our posture".
Many of the ladies who were frequent patrons at that time were role models to me. I was always a bit "rough around the edges" and really wanted to develop that pizzaz in dressing, I wanted to speak well and look as good as they did.
Some of my favorite customers are now deceased. I will miss seeing them come in the door. They are still alive in my memories however, and looking as young a the last time I saw them.
I hope if any of you were one of our customers over the years that you will help us out with this project, and, if you know anyone that knows anyone that was a customer or past employee that you will ask for them to get in touch with us.
Lorene's Kitchen is now located at 1600 N. Main St., Borger, TX. That's on the Stinnet HWY just past the circle. We are trying to keep this a secret. So if you want to talk to someone there about this event and project, call 806-273-7106 and ask for one of my brothers, Max or Scott.
Thanks, I hope to see you there. I will be there from the 16th to the 20th. If you drop in, mention you saw the invite/reminder on searchwarp.com . If you get to talk to my mother, please assure her that I really do write.
2/7/08: The come and go reception will be at Lorene's Kitchen between 3 and 5, Sunday the 17th.
