#16- Opinion (Local), Closed for Thanksgiving, Tradition or Outdated?

  As someone who's had "inconsistent" family gatherings over the years it's nice to have other options around the holidays. Thanksgiving is about taking a day to be thankful for what you have but in a way it has become equally about one other vital thing.....the food. So if you don't have a family from straight out of a Rockwell painting where can you go to enjoy a meal? In Texarkana options have been limited for as long as I can remember but as people my age start to set out on their own or start families they have a different way of doing things. Many younger people don't do traditional holidays anymore. Restaurants are realizing this and making changes. Some people are of the mind that all restaurants should be closed for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include the idea of all the workers getting to spend time with their family, the idea that people should be with their family instead of eating out, or the misconception that everyone has someplace else to go.

  While I do enjoy spending time with my family there have been times when I wasn't able. I also understand from my time working as a waiter that you can make big money on holidays. The fact is some people don't have families and would like to use the holidays to bolster their wallet. I understand the struggles and I believe in the restaurant industry that there are usually always enough people to fill out a staff who don't feel forced to be there. This isn't necessarily the same situation in all professions but it does seem to be the case for Texarkana's eateries. Thanksgiving is a great time to be open, competition is limited, tips are usually generous, and it fills a need for customers.


What's Open In TK?

  While it isn't a super pressing issue I find it hits home for me in particular. I've been at ends with my family on a holiday and set out to find a place to enjoy a meal with my friends or my sister. It's slightly depressing to have the exclusive option of drowning your sorrows in Denny's hash browns and chocolate milk. It's nice to have more of a variety. Even if you enjoy an actual family lunch, it's always nice to go out late and have a dinner with your extended family. Personally I'm glad to see restaurants meeting the lifestyle demands of the modern consumer.