Several years ago, a new tradition was started in a small city in Central Texas. A tradition of giving a meal free to all on Christmas Day. Now this, was not at the Community Center or a Church, but at a Restaurant. A gift to the Community was started in a little Restaurant in an old train car. It is not on a main road, and unless you know where to look, you will have problems finding it. The name of the Restaurant is The RunAway Train Cafe. The restaurant opened in 2005 and quickly became a favorite spot in town for Burgers, Sandwiches, Chicken Tenders Cream Gravy, and Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Field Trip
Every year at the end of school, my Life Skills class in this small Railroad town would take a day off. First, we would go to the Railroad Museum. There, we would see All the Miniature Trains, ring the Bells, play with train toys, climb up in a caboose and Pullman car, and watch a video of Thomas the Train. Then, we would climb back on the school bus and go to RunAway Train Cafe for lunch. There, we would look at our Picture Menu and order ourselves lunch. Those who could would have to tell the waitress what they wanted, and those who did not speak would point to the pictures with a big grin. They got to order for themselves. This was a Big Deal!
At the time of Covid
So much happened during COVID-19 that we do not wish to remember, but some beautiful things also happened. Orders could be called into the Train. The Management continued to pay members of the wait staff to stand out on the restaurant porch to sing or play musical instruments to the cars parked in the parking lot. As your order was made, other wait staff would run them out to your vehicle. You could then sit in your car to eat or take your order home. While waiting, you had a free concert. They also placed a small bag of rice with your order so you would have something to cook at home.
The Celebration of Christmas
They were starting a few weeks before Christmas notices would begin appearing around town. Everyone was welcome, and many waited with excitement.
RunAway Train Cafe announces,
“Please join us for Christmas Day, We will celebrate the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ
Free Frito Pie and Ice Cream”
People start lining up at about 10:30 for a hot bowl of Fritos, Chile, Cheese, onions, and Peppers. Servers run back and forth with soda refills and Blue Bell Ice cream scoops. This is all served with a smile. Things keep moving, and no one has to wait for long. From the richest to the poorest, the youngest to oldest people celebrate Christmas. This is all free to the Community. The train owners and the families of volunteers serve the public.
As you Leave, Stop at the Christmas Tree for a Free Book.
At the door, you walk past young and old that are to stop at the Christmas tree and select a free new book. A Gift to take home, read, and keep or pass on. A full stomach and the gift of reading. Merry Christmas to All, and to All, A Good Night.
If the Day after Christmas
You see such a sight that kind of could be Santa~~but kind of could not,
cause he is Kind of not with his reindeer~
and kind of relaxed~He could kind of been eating a bowl of Chili and Reading a new Book
~No that kind of could not be Santa
Not Driving a Sleigh but Maybe a TRAIN?
A Christmas book to be sure, but in Orange? Not Red?
I don’t think it’s Santa, but who could it be,
~ If you are unsure,~ then ask him yourself for it kind of could be, ~and Kind of could not,
just wait till next Christmas and Go to the Train and see if you see him not in Red but in Orange and see what he said,
when you kind of ask him the Question? Why isn’t he in Red?
by a Confused Elf
How to Make Frito Pie
Prepare bowls of Shredded Cheese, chopped onion, slices of Jalapeno Peppers, fritoes, and a big pot of Hot Chile. Place Chips and what you want in an Individual bowl, topped with hot Chile, and dig in.
