Country Cookin' with a side of
warmth and hometown service.

Get a taste of Mobile’s finest:

🛎️ Got no time to cook and a family to feed? Check out our family dinners!

📍7351 Theodore Dawes Rd
Theodore, AL 36582

Bring in a clock during your next visit, and we'll give you a free slice of our famous pie.

🕰️

Bring in a clock during your next visit, and we'll give you a free slice of our famous pie. 🕰️

Breakfast plate with omelette topped with tomato sauce, toast, and a bowl of grits on a table with a checkered napkin.

Breakfast

Burger with bacon, cheese, grilled onions, and jalapeños on a bun; served with lettuce, tomato, onion rings, and a pickle on a plate.

Lunch

Slice of pecan pie on a white plate with a fork and knife nearby, accompanied by a side salad and a drink.
Dish of creamy spaghetti with grilled shrimp, diced tomatoes, and garlic bread.

Dinner

Desserts

Time to Eat Café: A Brief History

In 1969, Ken, at five years old, moved with his mother, Ms. Dale, and siblings to Mobile, AL. Ms. Dale worked hard as a waitress to support her family, eventually gaining management roles in various restaurants throughout the 70s and 80s. In 2000, Ken and his partner Alfredo, with Ms. Dale, decided to use their collective restaurant experience to open their own place, aptly named “Time to Eat.” After months of hard work, they opened the café in March 2001 with a simple philosophy: serving generous portions of home-cooked food at reasonable prices.

The restaurant’s success quickly grew, leading to expansions over the years, even as Ms. Dale stepped away after the passing of her husband, Jerry. Ken and Alfredo took over, working tirelessly to keep the café running and profitable. Their dedication paid off as Time to Eat grew into a thriving business with multiple expansions, a team of 40 employees at its peak, and a unique collection of over 2,000 clocks, symbolizing that “anytime is Time to Eat.” Despite challenges like the 2009 recession, Time to Eat Café remains a beloved staple in the community.

Elderly woman celebrating 100th birthday with "100 & Fabulous" sash and flower corsage seated in a chair.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom indoors; the bride wears a wedding dress and veil, holding a bouquet, and the groom wears a white tuxedo jacket with a bow tie.
Three people indoors with Christmas decorations, surrounded by framed certificates and family photos on the wall and table, a Christmas tree, poinsettia, and holiday ornaments.
Three pieces of chicken fried steak with white gravy on a white plate, alongside a basket of French fries and a drink.

Kat D.

“The food was AMAZING! I had the chicken fried steak, which they make their own batter for, it was EVERYTHING!”

Plate with pork chop topped with tomato sauce, mashed potatoes with sauce, and a side of cooked greens

Heather E.

“My favorite thing is their grilled pork chops with tomato gravy.”

Chicken sandwich with bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions, served with sweet potato fries and a pickle on a white plate.

J.B.

“I had the blackened chicken sandwich for lunch and it was delicious.”

Whether you’re hoping to deliver to your home or office:

Order how you’d like it

Or you have a larger event to cater:

Diner interior with red booth seating, light blue walls adorned with numerous clocks, and tables set with menus and napkin holders.

Giving back makes sense.

Time to Eat Café is dedicated to giving back to the local community, supporting veterans, law enforcement, and sponsoring local sports teams, while regularly donating to various causes.

One organization especially close to the café's heart is Prism United, a Mobile-based group that provides LGBTQ+ youth with a safe space to explore and discuss their identities. This mission resonates with the café’s founder, who knows firsthand the isolation that can arise from a lack of support during formative years. In addition to financial contributions, Time to Eat Café donates food for Prism United’s meetings.

Also, and in the spirit of community, Time to Eat Café offers a "Book Swap" program, encouraging both children and adults to engage in the joy of reading. Reading to children is key to their intellectual development, while for seniors, reading helps keep the mind sharp. The café’s love of books led to the creation of this swap, where guests are welcome to take a few books or drop off their favorites to share with others.

Meet the faces behind Time To Eat Café

At Time to Eat Café, it's more than just serving food—it's about creating a warm, welcoming space where every meal is made with love. Ken and Alfredo, alongside their hardworking team, pour their hearts into every dish, treating customers like family. They believe in the power of connection and take pride in the meaningful conversations they share with guests. For them, the café is not just a business, but a labor of love where every smile, plate, and story shared enriches the dining experience. Come for the food, stay for the community!

Two people in blue shirts and aprons standing together in a diner with clocks and kitchen decorations on the wall behind them.
Group of people wearing blue shirts in a restaurant kitchen
Man in a blue shirt in a cafe filled with clocks and signs on the wall.
A person in a blue sleeveless shirt and apron stands in a kitchen with fryer baskets hanging in the background.