For Old Times Sake

    Customers know they've made it when they see the gigantic handmade arrow in the middle of the parking lot. The arrow holds a sign that reads, "Arrowhead Restaurant" (Figure 1). The moment they open the car door, the scent of bacon and burgers fill their noses. They turn to look at each other in excitement for their delicious meal ahead. 

Figure 1

    As my family and I enter the restaurant, a waitress greets us with a friendly "Hello," as she delivers a piece of pie to an older couple. Although there are many barstools and tables open, we choose to sit in the booth right inside the door, closest to the dessert cooler. Looking further around the restaurant, we notice the pictures and paintings of Native Americans, as well as dreamcatchers and other related decorations filling the walls. This restaurant has a vintage diner feel that you never get from chain restaurant. It hasn't been remodeled since it was built in 1947, making it the perfect place to reminisce, relax, and enjoy good food. The waitress walks over to the table with a smile, she brings menus and utensils. At first glance the menu is overwhelming, having dozens of items to chose from. The waitress points out the specials on the whiteboard hung up behind the bar. The whiteboard tells customers what the daily soups, specials, and desserts are. However, I already know what I want because I know the man behind the grill. His name is Jadan Moore and I am ordering his suggestion, the "Patty Melt."

    Jadan Moore, a manager and grill cook at Arrowhead Restaurant, is a tall, clean-kept man in his late twenties with a hairnet over his dreadlocks. He's wearing kaki pants with a tucked in black shirt and a black belt. Jadan is the unseen employee who is cutting all the fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as preparing the meat from the local butcher. Jadan has worked three other jobs within the food industry, yet he claims this one is by far his favorite. When asked why he exclaims, "the freedom and freshness." Jadan's favorite part of everyday is when he gets to make a pie of his choice, as well as when experimenting with other foods, like how to make the best sautéed onions. He explains everything is made in house, the most popular items being the house made gravy or the "Pig in the Blanket." The "Pig in a Blanket" consists of a fried pork tenderloin on a bun. Customers often top it with the same condiments as a hotdog such as, ketchup, mustard, relish, etcetera. This menu item has been a staple for the restaurant for over 70 years. Jadan chuckles after he describes the "Pig in the Blanket," he goes on to mention an interaction he once had with a customer. 

    An older man came to the take out window and ordered, "Pig in a Blanket please." 

    Jadan typed in the order and read his total, "That will be $6.75 sir."

    The man was surprised at first, but then chuckled as he got his cash out of his wallet. He went on to say, "When I was a kid, in the 1950's, the total was $0.35."

    After the meal, the customer complimented the sandwich Jadan had made for him and said it reminded him of when he would eat here with his parents. Jadan proceeds to explain that a lot of families and older folks become regular diners at the Arrowhead Restaurant because of the relaxed feel and homemade food. Jadan carries on to describe how the restaurant became so connected with the community, uncovering even more history to share. He begins to tell me about Patty Hackenberg, the previous owner of the restaurant. Patty made the Arrowhead Restaurant the main sponsor for the grand prize at the biggest parade in town, the Milton Harvest Festival. She also started the an annual vintage car show in the summer, held right at the restaurant where dozens of cars gather at a chance of a prize. All of her hard work eventually lead to a sandwich being named after her, the "Patty Melt" (Figure 3).

Figure 3

    Overall, the Arrowhead Restaurant is a welcoming place to eat. I know that because of her impact, the community misses Patty but, employees like Jadan keep her legacy around.