HOW THE CONCEPT OF HOBO'S EATERY WAS BORN

Tyrone Thomas Jr.

Back in the 1970's; In the Village of Ellenville New York, located in the Catskill Mountains, my father "Tyrone Thomas Sr." and I often sat at the kitchen table, savoring the last bites of a culinary masterpieces he made

My father was a man with a passion for food and a penchant for experimentation. He was always to whip up vibrant dishes that combined the freshest vegetables with an eclectic mix of meats. My eyes always twinkled with delight at dinner time and often asked, "Dad, what do you call this?"

My dad would chuckle and say, "It doesn't have a name yet... It's just a Hobo Meal or Potluck Soup."

That eventually sparked a conversation about how their ancestors, particularly his Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Mother, would also transform leftovers into delicious and ever-changing "pot luck soups." It was a dish that brought together flavors and ingredients in unexpected ways, always resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal.

As they reminisced, a lightbulb went off in their heads. "What if we could capture that feeling of surprise and culinary adventure in a restaurant?" I wondered.

"A place where the menu is always different, always unexpected, but always good?" my father added as his eyes lit up.

And that's how the idea for HOBOS Eatery was born. A concept that embraced the unexpected, celebrated culinary creativity, and minimized food waste. It was a tribute to the resourceful spirit of their ancestors and a testament to their passion for food that was "always different, and always good."

We envisioned a restaurant where local chefs could experiment and showcase their unique creations, local artists could showcase their talents, and customers could embark on an entertainment and culinary adventure with every visit, and where surplus ingredients could be transformed into delicious and sustainable dishes.

With a shared vision and a dash of culinary magic, Tyrone and his son set out to create HOBOS Eatery, a place where the food was as unpredictable and diverse as the people who inspired it. It would be a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, but we were fueled by our belief in the power of food to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences.

We knew that HOBOS Eatery would be more than just a restaurant. It was a testament to the spirit of adventure, the joy of discovery, and the enduring power of family and community. It was a place where "always different" met "always good," and where every meal was a celebration of the unexpected.

We never got around to bringing this wonderful vision to life before he died from Covid-19 in 2020. I dedicate my efforts to my father Tyrone E, Thomas Sr. to making this dream a reality through any way I can.