Local Abilene Restaurant Offers More Than the Menu; Satisfied Customers Get a Prayer Before Leaving

Over the years a local business building on South First Street in Abilene, TX that is better known as the Hot Dog Castle of the seventies has served many customers from a selection of menus after having being owned by different proprietors. That same building located across the busy railroad tracks that divides the city has a unique purpose today with a new restraunt and owner that offers more than the menu. “I have attended law school for three years at Southern Methodist University and then changed my mind about finishing my degree and decided to open up a restaurant,” said Owner Mary Anne Monteith. Monteith believes that God is leading her in this direction.{{more}} “I am a friend of Mary Anne’s. I came in and met her one day. We had prayer and talked about the Lord. “ Linda Andrews shares. Andrews talks about her dreams and also an idea that might come through which is forming a small church and holding a service there at the Forge after both women complete the planning. The Forge Community Kitchen has been in business since 2010, and is not your ordinary restraunt where customers usually walk in hungry and leave with an empty wallet. Her title on the business card is Executive Director meaning that the business is non-profit. The mission of her business is helping feed the less fortunate, homeless, and those who need at times comfort and prayer. At the Forge you can expect to eat more for less money and usually leave with a hunger and thirst for Jesus Christ. It is a place where you not only are welcomed with a smile, but at times you might get a chance to be prayed for by Monteith or other volunteers who all want to join in to assist in the mission and purpose. Two wooden boxes can be seen on the counter next to a piano. One box is labeled; prayer requests and the other donations. A sign that hangs above the piano reads: When one door shuts, God opens another door. One satisfied young couple, Matthew and Stephanie Williams had a few good reasons to return and for eating good and on a budget since they were expecting their first baby the following week. “When we saw the price of fifty cents for a hot dog, we were surprised. We usually go to other restaurants that cost more. My buddy told me about this place. He said that if you get a meal for over five dollars and you do not have enough, you can pay what you have. He said that sometimes they have free food. We paid three dollars for two biscuits and gravy combos, and I threw in a few more dollars for a donation. “Matthew said. It is pretty neat to have something like this to feed the homeless,” shares Stephanie, who is formerly from Chicago, but has been living in Abilene long enough to recognize economical changes. The homeless population might not be higher in numbers than big cities like Chicago, but Abilene sadly has its’ share of those living on the streets. While a few individuals are out there panhandling trying to make a few bucks, you can say others have been touched by the giving spirit of the restraunt. An unknown customer who walked in and out with a smile made it known to the owner that he just came in to put a few bucks in the wooden donation box. He chose to be kept anonymous, yet he shared that he was living in the streets. Feeding a family of six could be pretty costly these days, especially with the rising gasoline prices and the shortage of jobs. The Alsides family is one that has been in the restraunt a few times since it opened. Even though they have four other children, their adorable eight month old son, Riley,was the only child happily enjoying the meal with his parents that day. Frank and Serena Alsides who are originally from Abilene claim they are very blessed with the Forge. The couple who attend Hope Chapel Church on Rebecca Lane are true believers of Jesus Christ, and probably will be coming back to the restraunt. They both share their positive experience at the restaurant. ”I heard about it in the news. We like to come eat and give a little more than what the suggestive price is to help.” Frank said.“This is the place they should have had a long time ago. It gives to the community and to the souls of the people that come here. Everyone that comes in here is blessed one way or the other.” Serena said. The Forge’s Menu for that day. Photo by Floyd Miller