Most days, Greg Thomas' Ram's Horn restaurant at the corner of Hamlin and Rochester Road looks like any other.
But on Saturday mornings, especially when the sun shines, the lot fills up with hot rods, muscle cars, assorted antiques, plus the occasional classic and supercar. Simply known as The Breakfast Club, the informal group has met at this Ram's Horn for more than 16 years.
Thomas' manager, John Smith, estimates that on an average Saturday, he'll seat 120 Breakfast Club members.
"Their cars will ring the entire building. It's like a car show. Hoods are up and guys are talking. At any one time there could be 60 or 70 cars in the lot," Smith said.
Theme rides on in restaurant as well
But the car theme isn't restricted to the parking lot. Thomas renovated the interior of his facility several years back.
"We really did all of this in honor of those guys. They've been coming here for so long, we wanted to do something that told them they're important to us," Thomas said.
The restaurant's theme is automotive, with a definite focus on hot rods and muscle cars. There are photos, paintings, and murals of cars on every flat surface except the floor. Music from the '50s and '60s is piped into the dining area, helping complete the atmosphere.
While the auto motif is aimed at the car club, it helps differentiate Thomas' establishment, as do the breakfast specials aimed at the hot rodders.
"For anybody who comes on Saturday morning and brings their show car, there are quite a few specials that knock a buck or two off the price of eating with us. Just tell your server that you're with 'the club,' " Smith said.
Thomas takes genuine pleasure in giving back to the community, so he also sponsors multiple community events including car shows put on by the Lions Club. Two upcoming events include the fourth annual Heritage Rod & Custom Car Festival on May 29, and the annual Festival of Cars on May 30.
The Lions Club takes over Rochester Municipal Park for both events. Sunday's event is expected to draw as many as 200 vehicles.
Organizers will award trophies for 20 classes that cover the expected muscle car and hot rod entries. Organizers are also including classes for original cars (un-restored and stock), commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and even bicycles.
There's still time to register by visiting
www.RochesterLionsClub.org.
All proceeds are donated to Leader Dogs for the Blind and other worthy Lions Club charities. If you preregister, the fee is only $15 per car and nets a dash plaque and jam-packed goodie bag.
In other words, if you haven't blown the dust off your custom car, it's time.
Manager gives back big
As gassed up as Thomas is about supporting local activities, there's one event that he likes even more. Last Thanksgiving, Thomas and his team fed more than 400 of the area's homeless. For free.
By all accounts it was a powerful happening. "There was a little boy here with his mom who told me, 'This is the best day ever.' Another woman cried because it was the first restaurant meal she had eaten in 12 years. She was so grateful. It really makes you feel good to help people who need it," Smith recounted.
Even though the restaurant industry is struggling, Thomas' team hopes to serve even more free meals this Thanksgiving. Stop buy and let him know you'll help out.
Car Culture's Rex Roy can be reached at
www.RexRoy.net.
