Jamie’s Diner offers gathering opportunities for all
By Guest Columnist Carole Kelly
Jamie Brundige (center), with sons Brice Brundige (left) and Chris Martinez (right), look over Jamie’s menu.
Fifteen months ago, Jamie’s Diner opened its doors on Hampstead Blvd off Highway 80, leaving a history of seven years as Taco Talk in Obie’s Service Station on Highway 80 West. A cozy diner with a signature dish of hamburgers and a popular breakfast attracting a core group of customers inspired Jamie Brundige to make a big move.
Working from encouragement and keeping in mind the often-quoted line, “If you build it, they will come,” the doors to the 6,000-square-foot diner opened in February 2022.
A recent lunchtime saw customers from Madison and Crystal Springs meeting for a meal at Jamie’s.
“It’s good to be a meeting place,” said Brundige. “I’m just hoping more local people will realize we are here!”
Requests had shown wishes for a multi-faceted, sit-down restaurant in Clinton, for an all-day breakfast site as well as a coffee sit, sip, and visit area, a good steak place, and a place for cocktails. From those requests, Jamie’s became a reality.
Having had the assignment and pleasure of covering the new diner those months ago, checking on its plans and progress these months later appealed to me. Armed with my notes of the past and new memories from numerous meals at Jamie’s, I was ready.
Talking with Brundige in the comfortable Mississippi College corner gave me all I need to review these past months, the challenges and changes in this spacious diner and its expanded menu.
Faithful customers are regulars, but Brundige admits he needs to make the restaurant better known.
“We are very thankful for our faithful diners,” says Brundige, “and we are searching for ways to attract even more people.”
A bakery and coffee shop area, a bar, a stage, and a meeting room for organizations are part of the generous space. Calls for regular menu dishes outweigh support for the bakery and bar. The College Corner, complete with connections for computers, has attracted some interest, with plans to issue special invitations in the coming months to be sure students know about the corner.
Bingo fun nights are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, with plans being made for karaoke night and an artist sip-and-paint evening. Television is always available for viewing, particularly when popular games are scheduled. The entire diner has been rented for special occasions such as graduation parties, and several organizations enjoy meals as they convene in the meeting room.
Although struggling with rising food costs and staffing needs, Brundige doesn’t mind saying that food service is his life, having many years of experience in the business. A veteran prior to his decision to go into food service, he worked with job placement and disability programs.
Brundige offers students the experience to learn about tasks, such as rolling flatware, cooking, serving, and clean-up. He also collaborates with agencies and schools offering a site for training persons with disabilities.
Opening hours have been modified over the past months. Current hours are Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays are the chief busy times. Earlier planned 7 a.m. offerings for breakfast did not attract enough early risers to continue that service. The breakfast menu items are offered throughout the day until 5 p.m.
Jamie’s efficient staff includes Brundige’s sons, Brice and Chris. Food preparation is handled by the capable hands of Brundige, Brice, Hattie, and Candia. They all strive to please.
“Suggestions are welcomed, and we urge anyone with a problem to please let us know; we will work to correct it,” promises Brundige.
Hamburgers continue to be the favorite order, followed by the catfish, which is a story in itself. Encouraged to begin serving fried catfish in the other world of Taco Talk, Brundige had never eaten catfish, much less cooked it. Doing his due diligence and learning the “how-to’s,” it is another one of the most called-for entrees. The blue-plate special and the Philly cheese steak dish rate high on the choices list. More salads were requested in the early days, and Jamie’s accommodated the request.
Plans call for a new section of “grab and go,” offering entrees ready to be heated at home to aid families on the run. Among the dishes offered will be chicken alfredo, hamburger steak, potatoes, and salads.
The menu, with illustrations of a number of dishes, brightens the website, www.JamiesDiner-Clinton.com, which offers the opportunity for pick-up orders, coupons, and sign-up for updates.
