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
Lunch
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.
Kat D.
“The food was AMAZING! I had the chicken fried steak, which they make their own batter for, it was EVERYTHING!”
Heather E.
“My favorite thing is their grilled pork chops with tomato gravy.”
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:
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!
