The story of how Mel’s Diner came to be is one of two star-crossed lovers, Jack and Mel. Mel grew up in Lafayette during the rock-and-roll era. She had a passion for dancing, and she had several jitterbug trophies to prove it. Jack was born and raised in the small town of Mansura, Louisiana and served in the US Navy. He graduated from ULL (then known as SLI) with honors and began working for a local restaurant in 1963.
When the two met, it was love at first sight. They eloped shortly after they met, and Jack made a promise to Mel that he would one day put her name in lights. While Jack was climbing the hierarchy of the restaurant business, Mel stayed home with their children and spent her time volunteering for various civic organizations. Both Jack and Mel valued hard work and dreamed of opening a restaurant of their own.
Thus, Mel’s Diner was born. Mel decorated the restaurant’s walls with her old pictures of 1950s stars–Elvis, Marylin Monroe, Norman Rockwell, and James Dean to name a few. Their mission was to serve great good with quick excellent customer service.
Mel’s became so popular that a second location was opened. Today both Mel’s restaurants provide the best service to their customers and serve the same delicious items that they always have. The diners are open 24 hours a day, so Lafayette residents can have a quick bite any time of day. Mel’s Diner offers a fun, playful atmosphere and yummy food for everyone to enjoy!
Originaly posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
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