Happy 89th Birthday, Texas Inn

Born October 11th in 1935, the Texas Inn (formerly known as the Texas Tavern) was celebrated by thousands of people across the Commonwealth yesterday. As the old saying goes, “We serve 1,500 people,15 at a time.”

Thanks to some great work by Anne and Steve on Madison+Main’s PR team, I turned into the “Road Warrior,” giving media interviews in Richmond, Lynchburg, and Harrisonburg. We were highlighted on WRVA by my friend John Reid. WSET TV was broadcasting live from the parking lot for their 5 a.m. newscast – even though no one was there and the restaurant was dark. WSLS TV10 in Roanoke drove down to do a piece for their evening newscasts. WHSV did a live broadcast from our Harrisonburg location…and it was the lead story. (Might’ve been a slow news day in the Valley, lol).

But hats off to WDBJ 7 anchor Logan Sherrill, who broadcast this segment called “Hometown Eats,” yesterday. Logan loved the food and really did capture the whole vibe. His interview of longtime customer Richard aka “Meanness ” made us all belly laugh.

I talked about the little diner that’s been a big part of my life since I was a kid. When I was seven years old (and my sister was 5 ½), my Dad worked as a firefighter and my Mom worked as a nurse. He got off work at 7 am and occasionally my Mom’s shift at the hospital would start at 7 am. This presented a brief childcare conundrum that would have my Mom stopping at the corner of 5th and Main Streets in Lynchburg to drop us off (only for a minute or so) while my Dad walked down a block from the Fire Station. We would eat at the T-Room, and then dash off to Brookville Elementary to start the school day.

Fast forward to 2018 and I bought the Texas Inn. Miss Frances, who waited on me as a child, was still working there. She was a waitress for 43 years before retiring in 2020. Miss Frances passed away last week at 82. She was laid to rest on Tuesday. Although we were all mourning her loss, we celebrated her years of service.

And for once, we really did serve 1,500 people. (Actually, it was more like 2,100 but who’s counting?)

MONDAY:

MERRY LINKS, MERRY DRINKS

Madison+Main had the privilege of sponsoring the drink cart for the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Golf Tournament at the Highlands Golf Course this Monday. Account Executives Kendall Sanders and Brandon Segres joined in on the fun and volunteered at the event, making sure everyone stayed…hydrated *wink wink.* Kendall said the highlight for her was seeing our very own Madam Vice President Leanne Pillow participate in the tourney alongside her Dad, Husband, and Father-in-Law. “Their enthusiasm and friendly competition added a special touch to the day, making it even more memorable. Volunteering for this event reminded me how rewarding it is to give back, especially when it involves such a close-knit and uplifting community.” (Plus, check out those cool new M+M coozies!)

TUESDAY:

SIX YEARS OF DOUBLE TROUBLE

Madison+Main hit the jackpot six years ago when Accounts Director Superstar Allison Nida and Sr. Communications Manager and Wordsmith Extraordinaire Derek Fair join our team. Our lives changed forever, for the better, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. A huge thank you to the both of them for all they do, and we hope to celebrate many more anniversaries to come with them.

WEDNESDAY:

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT

Reducing gun violence in Virginia is a responsibility we all share. When we teamed up with the Office of the Attorney General, we knew we had the opportunity to make a lasting impact in our Commonwealth. Here’s a first look at our full-length testimonial video that includes interviews from community leaders, law enforcement, and people directly impacted by gun violence. To learn more about the resources available in your community to prevent gun violence, just visit ceasefirevirginia.org.

THURSDAY:

EDITING CRASH COURSE

It’s always nice to get out of the office for a bit! Our creative department had the opportunity to get their hands dirty in editing the commercial for our “What’s the Damage” campaign with WRAP and the Virginia DMV from our friends over at BES Studios.