What’s up my Eaters! Last week I promised to let you in on the local breakfast and lunch spot that currently has all my attention. When I was choosing what restaurant to showcase this week, I picked this restaurant because it is locally owned, the food is good, the staff and service is always great, and because there is something innately familiar about it. I’m talking about Mimi’s Good Food in Peachtree City.
As a child, every summer and most holidays were spent, at least in part, with my grandparents in Florida. In between visits there was always one thing that I looked forward to above all else. It was breakfast with my grandpa. My grandpa and I were both early risers. Every morning as he sat in the kitchen before anyone else would wake, he would boil two eggs, toast two slices of bread, and drink a cup of tea. We would sit and chat as he ate. He would tell me stories, I would tell him stories, and we relished in each other’s company. It was always a moment. Time would slow, moments were had, and we both left feeling satisfied. Again, it was a moment every time.
To me, the most striking thing about Mimi’s Good Food is that every time I step into that restaurant, it is a moment. It feels unbelievably familiar and comfortable, just like those early mornings at the kitchen table with my grandpa. Upon arriving, guests are greeted at the door by a plastering of their most recent health scores. For all you “health score watchers”, only A’s. As a chef that is hyper observant of these scores, and who appreciates the culinary professionalism it requires to attain them, this display is always impressive to see. When you walk in, you are immediately taken back. The décor is country – diner meets your eclectic oldest sister or grandma’s house. The room is adorned with all sorts of accolades, memorabilia, and knickknacks. It is quite the departure from the industrial park it is located in. Mimi’s is always busy. You can sit at a table or at one of two counters. One counter gives the diner an upfront view of their open kitchen. The other offers more intimacy and solitude. It faces the window which looks out to the parking lot. It allows guests to turn their backs to the rest of the restaurant. It’s quite amazing how empty the room gets once your back is turned to it.
The service staff is great. A group of ladies, most of which have been working at Mimi’s for years. Some are still in high school and some are corporate professionals who use Mimi’s as secondary income. They create an environment that is welcoming and makes you feel at home. When I asked one server, Jess, why she loved working at Mimi’s? The first thing she said was, “I love my customers and it’s like working with family!” The kitchen staff are equally great! When I visit, I typically sit at the counter that overlooks the kitchen. How they masterfully execute that short order kitchen is beautiful to watch. They are clean and organized, their execution often appears flawless, and even they take the time to familiarize themselves with the different customers. I am always appreciative when I sit down and Dawn, one of the line cooks exclaims, “Hey, barbecue man!”
The food is not just good, as the restaurant’s name suggests, it’s great. It is always presented well, is affordably priced, and is served fast and hot. The menu is straightforward and is consistently executed appropriately. My current favorite is fried potatoes with scrambled eggs and cheese, smoked sausage, and smothered with white gravy. The omelets, pancakes, and waffles are also crowd favorites. I am typically a breakfast customer but in preparation for this article I tried the original club sandwich with fries and the Reuben. Neither disappointed.
I am of the strong opinion that the real secret sauce in this restaurant lies in Mimi, the restaurant’s namesake. Most days, she can be found in the restaurant cooking on the line, cashing out customers, putting out fires, or greeting and talking to guests. It is amazing to watch her dance this beautiful dance that she’s been performing and perfecting for the last 13 years. I’ve spoken to Mimi about her restaurant recently. We talked about the angst she is currently experiencing because of the egg crisis currently ravaging the restaurant industry. I asked her to talk to me about how she has such a low turnover rate amongst her team. This is extremely unheard of in the restaurant world. She attributes it to her flexibility and willingness to meet them where they are. Lastly, I asked her about the last 13 years as the owner and namesake of Mimi’s Good Food and how she chose its location. She reports that the location was simply what was available at the time. Regarding the restaurant, she said, “It’s the best move that I never wanted to make!” Her humility, work ethic, and dedication to her food business, team, and community are inspiring!
Eaters, in my opinion, there is a shortage of acceptable locally owned breakfast and lunch restaurants in our area. Thankfully, while we await more offerings, Mimi’s Good Food is still here. Mimi and her team are providing “special moments” daily and are waiting to serve each of you in doing so.
Join us next week as we celebrate Black History month with a recipe that has intrigued me for quite some time. Remember to come visit me at Peachtree City Farmer’s Market every Saturday. You can also look me up on YouTube at The Eating Chambers Channel.
Great review! Love Mimi and her restaurant.
Great review of a great locally owned eatery. Mimi’s restaurant is a local gem.