Roots of Grit and Grace
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.”
A Family Dream Takes Shape
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.
Growing with Time (and Clocks!)
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.
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!
