We've all had one of those days when we sit down, turn on the TV, and there is our hometown on the local news . . . and then the national news. We either swell with pride and start calling our friends and family, or bury our face in our hands, hoping this is the day that nobody else is watching. The latter is the case here in Burnet, Texas.
It really wasn't that long ago, within the past month or so, when the news broke. Andy's Landing, a popular local eatery made the lead story on the local and national news. It seems that one of the cooks had a lapse in judgment and decided to express his ill will for the local police chief by doctoring his food in an unsavory way. I won't bore you with the details, but the local joke involves buns, boogers, and a "big ass sandwich". Not a happy thought.
The general reaction was of disgust and distain. Mine too, eventually. You see, Andy's is an outstanding restaurant that serves above average food and has incredible service. Like many hometown restaurants (and Cheers), everybody knows your name and stops by to say hello when you're there. They ask about your family and call your kids by name . . . you get the idea. Just a great place that's filled with warmth and good friends. This one act was the exception, not the rule. It was the act of an individual that has taken on a life of its own and has now literally sucked the life out of Andy's Landing.
As I drove into the office this morning the sign out front read "CLOSED". I had heard last week that the decision had been made. The backlash was too great to overcome, people just quit coming. There were regulars that showed their support and continued to come in for lunch and dinner, but not enough. Kind of odd for a small town, but understandable. Andy worked hard to create one of the better places to eat in the area. His staff worked hard to make it a place that people loved to come and enjoy a good meal. Tiffany managed the place and always had a big smile on her face and a good word when you walked in the door. . . and my glass of sweet tea that showed up at my table before I ever ordered anything, and the chocolate mousse pie when she knew I was trying to shed a few pounds. I confess, I took a bite when she wasn't looking, it was her husband Brian's fault, he made me do it J
This is my tribute and expression of the happiness that will be missed. Y'all did a great job and it's a shame that one act could destroy a place that we all enjoyed so much. Thanks for everything and I look forward to the next time we meet. . .
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