Bacon, eggs, comfort, and community – you can’t fit all of these on a plate, but you can find them all at Thornton’s. This Saturday, January 15th, join Thornton’s Home Town Cafe in celebrating their 20 year anniversary. They will offer goodies and giveaways, as a thank you to the community for their patronage, loyalty, and continued support. Specials will be available, as well as the usual menu and comforting atmosphere. From 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., join Matt Malone of The Matt Malone Morning Show on 97.5 Y Country as he broadcasts for breakfast.
Kathy Thornton is a Southwest Michigan native. Born and raised in the twin cities, this is where she met her husband Bob, and where they started their family. After twenty five years of living in larger cities like Houston, they purchased the restaurant, and returned to Michigan. “Downtown St. Joseph is the perfect place for Thornton’s”, Kathy says. “The name ‘Home Town’ was fitting, and we were glad to get back to a smaller area.”
Bob and their daughter Shelley were an integral part of the restaurant’s success. “You certainly learn a lot when owning your own business. The service industry as a whole is difficult; it takes a lot of determination and hard work to make a good name for your business,” says Kathy. Since Bob’s passing seven years ago, Kathy remains the sole owner, and with the support of her incredible staff including daughter and granddaughter, Thornton’s Home Town Cafe remains a popular spot with many happy customers.
With battles like the rise and fall of the economy, the weight of the pandemic, and supply chain disruptions, small businesses ride the economic wave of uncertainty every day. Success cannot happen without heart, and Thornton’s foundation is built on it. “The majority of our regular customers return to Thornton’s because we treat them like family. We strive to get to know them on a first name basis, and we want our customers to feel at home. We are not fancy, or serve exotic dishes, but our facility is kept clean and tidy. Our kitchen staff keeps everything consistent, and we serve good food at affordable prices. That’s what the majority of our customers love,” Kathy says.
Thornton’s Home Town Cafe is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is located at 613 Pleasant Street in St. Joseph. Their menu offers a vast array of breakfast and lunch items, with biscuits & gravy, scrambles, and pancakes being among the customers’ favorites. Daily specials and soups are posted on their Facebook page, so be sure to Like and Follow to stay up to date. Congratulations on 20 years in business, and here’s to the next 20!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM contributor
