BUSINESS: Edwards enjoys dealing with his customers every day

By Jo Chiparo Rex Edwards opened a restaurant in Jasonville three years ago, and he still enjoys working with his customers every day. A Touch of Hometown Class is open Monday through Saturday. [Order this photo]

The name has changed, but it remains, very much, a hometown restaurant. It is a meeting place for Jasonville people to meet and socialize over just a cup of coffee or a meal.

Edwards says many people from out of town patronize his business; however, it is hometown people who visit daily.

"The customers are what I like most about the restaurant business," noted Edwards. "They are mostly the same every day. A lot of customers are dedicated. I could probably name 40 people who come in every day -- maybe just for coffee -- but it is an every-day thing. I enjoy coming out and talking to them and getting to know them."

Edwards added that he gives a discount to people who visit the restaurant two or three times a day, especially those who are on a fixed income, and recently he lowered all of his prices.

"I don't have a card that says senior citizen," noted Edwards. "I like to call it a 'good customer discount'."

Customers Danny Lewis and Bobbie Wilson visit the restaurant regularly.

"I come here often for breakfast and lunch," noted Lewis. "I find the help is always easy to get along with and friendly."

Wilson added that one of her favorites is the beef patty.

"It's not one of those frozen burgers," she said.

Edwards says there are people who go in every morning for breakfast. The city's police officers and firemen are among that group.

"You have to know customers' wants," Edward noted, "and have consistency."

He opens the restaurant every morning -- Monday through Saturday -- at 5:30 and remains open until 1:30 p.m. He reopens from 5-8 p.m.

On Sunday, his hours are from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.

During the afternoon hours that Edwards is away from the restaurant, he is busy shopping for groceries and planning meals.

Edwards says he is thinking about staying open Sunday evening so people have somewhere to eat after church.

Edwards explained that all of the help are volunteers. His brothers, father and mother all volunteer in the restaurant and only earn what they make in tips. He even has friends who wait on tables. They say if they're not helping they are just home watching TV.

Edwards features a special every day; plus, every day he has a special price of $4.50 for a cheeseburger, fries and a coke.

"The Beef Manhattan's are the real McCoy," Edwards noted. "I cook the beef 24 hours in a crock pot. We even serve a Laker Melt named after the Shakamak Lakers."

Edwards added that his mom does all of the cooking and even makes mashed potatoes from scratch and bakes homemade cakes. He also noted that there is an item each day on the menu for diabetics.

Being involved in a restaurant isn't something new for Edwards. He began working at the age of 13 at a Steak and Shake in Indianapolis.

"I took a test when I was 15 and mastered the grill," he explained. "I have worked at White Castle, McDonald's, Long John Silver's and Stoll's."

He said people might remember him at Stoll's because he liked to sing while running the grill.

After living all of his young life in Indianapolis, Edwards says he is glad to be in southern Indiana for the quiet atmosphere.

As for social life and hobbies, Edwards says he is married to the restaurant, and his goal is for it to be successful.