VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — Although many shopping center parking lots along Mooney Boulevard in Visalia were empty this Thanksgiving, it was difficult to find a spot at Black Bear Diner.

General Manager Robert Velazquez says he has worked the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays for the past four decades and this is his busiest time.

“Some people don’t have family or anything, so they come here and we’re their family because we’re a family restaurant, and some people bring their whole family, so we host parties of 20 or 30 people,” he said. .

Their limited menu for the special day is filled with Thanksgiving staples – turkey, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy.

It’s something Ruth, who visited the restaurant with her youngest son, is grateful for.

“Especially for older people like me who can’t stand on their feet and cook anymore, so we come and we have a place to go,” she said.

She also ordered a meal for her other son, who is battling Valley Fever.

“He’s in the hospital and I’m going to try to sneak that in,” she said.

They are hot meals and memories for the family of Araceli Villarreal.

Breakfast in the restaurant has been a tradition for three years. It’s their Thanksgiving celebration, as only half of her family is local.

“Today is really special because I’m going to college,” she said. “I’m at UCSD, so coming home to my family, seeing all my little cousins ​​and keeping the tradition alive is really sweet.”

Outback also prepares on-the-go meal boxes for families of 10 or more.

This year, more than 87 families picked up their Thanksgiving dinner.

Robert says they couldn’t do this without the help of their employees, who sacrificed part of their vacation to serve the community.

“I’m very proud of them,” he said. “I couldn’t do any of this without them. I need everyone I have.”

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