By Angela Hayes | Special to the Advertiser

Working in the food service industry since she was a teen, Jackie Easterling finally fulfilled her dream of owning her own restaurant one year ago this month, when she and her family opened the doors of Big Daddy Burgers.

With the aid of her sister-in-law, who keeps everything in order, her mom, who helps on weekends, her husband when he can, and her daughter after school, food has become a family affair.

In between her food service years, Easterling worked previously with the Agency on Aging, spent four years in the military, and worked as a nurse.

It was these opportunities that opened her eyes to a great need within the community. And from that, came the idea of offering a free Thanksgiving meal.

“It was something I always said I would do when I became blessed enough to open my own business,” Easterling said.

Living up to her self-made promise, Big Daddy Burgers will be open Thursday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey with all the trimmings including vegetables, sides, and a piece of pie, from pies donated by Virginia Smitherman.

Individuals can come to the restaurant and sit down, get it to go, or pick it up for a friend or neighbor.

Big Daddy Burgers will be serving on a first come, first serve basis, filling orders until they close, or until the food runs out.

“God laid on my heart a void that needed to be filled. No one should be left at home alone without a Thanksgiving meal.”

If you are looking for a place to eat during the week, the restaurant is open Monday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Easterling and her family offer a homemade menu of pizza, wings, and burgers, and for special events they also offer catering.

For more information, visit Big Daddy Burgers on Facebook or call (205) 755-4100.