Our Journey: From Humble Beginnings to a Resilient Legacy

In April 1996, Becky and Jimmy Young fulfilled their dream by opening Friends & Family Restaurant, a place rooted in family, tradition, and community. With just a $1 bid, they turned their vision into reality, pouring their hearts into the business. Becky's parents, Guy and Shirley Tickle, played key roles—Guy, known for his warmth and famous dishes, and Shirley for her strong work ethic, both leaving lasting legacies. Jimmy, nicknamed the "Red Mule" for his hard work, was instrumental in the restaurant's construction, and the couple even hosted their wedding there in May 1996, setting the tone for the restaurant as a place for life celebrations. Over the years, the restaurant grew in popularity, with loyal customers and long-term employees becoming like family. In the late 2000s, their daughters, Danielle and Autumn, joined the business, with Autumn meeting Jeremy, ushering in the next generation of the family legacy.

In 2010, Friends & Family Restaurant made a pivotal decision to serve breakfast all day, a move that became a defining aspect of their identity. In 2011, Autumn joined the restaurant full-time after graduating from college, and Jeremy became part of the business. That October, they opened a gift shop designed by Autumn and built by Jimmy, which became a surprising success. However, in February 2012, Jimmy was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, creating a challenging time for the family. Despite this, Jeremy and Autumn married in September 2012, celebrating their wedding at the restaurant, surrounded by employees and regular customers. The family endured further hardship in February 2014 when Shirley, a key figure in the business, passed away. In April 2014, Danielle left to serve in the Air National Guard, continuing the family's legacy of dedication and service.

On October 3, 2015, Autumn and Jeremy welcomed their first child, Rexton, marking the fifth generation of the family business and inspiring the slogan "Five Generations of Homemade." With the arrivals of Riverlyn in 2018 and Renner in 2021, this generation grew. In 2019, Autumn and Jeremy returned to the restaurant, revitalizing operations with new menus, promotions, and the return of the breakfast buffet. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed unprecedented challenges, forcing adaptations like deliveries and menu updates, but the restaurant survived thanks to the community's support. In 2021, specialty burgers became a new hit, and in 2022, Danielle rejoined the business after serving in the military.

Tragedy struck on February 21, 2023, when a fire destroyed the original restaurant building. Despite the heartbreak, the family vowed to rebuild, receiving overwhelming community support. They have since been working on a new building, incorporating modern features while honoring the past. In August 2024, they launched a new logo, symbolizing a fresh start and their resilience. Through all the ups and downs, the family remains committed to providing homemade meals and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their journey continues, with much of the story still to unfold.