Matthews in Tucker-Breakfast and More

The late Frank Spence (L) and Atlanta restaurant legend James Paige just before breakfast.Photo byDown South Today

“It’s the safest place in Georgia to enjoy a country breakfast,” Frank Spence often observed. He was referring to the early morning diners at Matthews, the legendary landmark cafeteria in Tucker, Georgia where police officers, fire fighters, sheriff deputies, nurses, utility line crews, coaches and many more have enjoyed eggs, grits, country ham, sausage, salmon patties, gravy, homemade biscuits and hot coffee since the1950’s.

Doors open at 5 before sunrise.

Spence, a former front office executive with the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons, would meet friends and swap greetings around daybreak. “Warm words,” he told me, “go well with scrambled eggs.”

Matthews serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and managed to survive the disruptions of Covid. It’s a testament to longevity: still family-owned and managed, and a bedrock institution in Georgia’s food heritage comparable in many ways to The Varsity in Atlanta.

You’ll never feel rushed here. Recently, I met the great Carl White, host of the North Carolina-based hit show “Life in the Carolinas,” at Matthews for dinner and we caught the tail-end of live bluegrass performed by a talented group of local musicians. The meatloaf, seasoned green beans, sweet potatoes, iced tea and strawberry shortcake helped our celebration of a long friendship.

Afterward, we sat out front on rocking chairs provided by Matthews and talked, laughed and greeted strangers walking by until well in the evening.

Nostalgia, gratitude, and the hope that springs from magic moments were bundled in an evening of outstanding food and fellowship at Matthews.

Matthews Cafeteria is located on Main Street in Tucker, Georgia.

Carl White (L) legendary TV host with Doc enjoying rocking chairs and conversation after supper in Matthews.Photo byDown South Today