Remembering Bryce’s Cafeteria and Other Texarkana Memorabilia

If you grew up in Texarkana like I did one of the saddest days was when long-time restaurant Bryce's Cafeteria closed its doors on April 30, 2017.

Those days may be gone but the memories remain forever etched in the hearts and souls of families who gathered after church on Sunday to stand in line rain or shine to enjoy some of the best food Texarkana had to offer.

The late Bryce Lawrence first opened  Bryce's Cafeteria downtown at 219 N. State Line Ave. in 1931. The restaurant thrived for many years and became a Texarkana tradition with not only families but with traveling soldiers and people who were traveling through Texarkana by train. The historic Union Station was just the street and when the trains made their stop travelers awaiting the next departure would visit Bryce's Cafeteria.

Leo McCoun

One of my favorite memories of Bryce's was a waiter known as Mr. Leo he was so kind and friendly and he offered customers the best service, something that seems lacking in today's restaurant business. I think Mr. Leo became almost like family to a lot of folks, he sort of became someone you always looked forward to seeing when you visited the cafeteria. He was always smiling and very happy to see the customers who frequented the restaurant.

As time went by, downtown was on a decline, Bryce's Cafeteria finally closed its downtown location in February 1989 and moved into a brand new building near I-30 and Summerhill Road where it remained open until April 2017. For many years Texarkanians continued to eat in this longtime establishment and from what I remember one of their specialties was their homemade pies and desserts but all their food was good.

When was the last time you can remember going into a Texarkana restaurant and having your food served in this?

Both Bryce's Cafeteria buildings remain today and the original downtown location is now the home of the Discovery Place Children's Museum and the I-30 location is Havens Home Resale.

Every time I drive by one of Bryce's locations I'm reminded of a little bit of Texarkana history and spending time with my family. Thank you to the Bryce Lawrence family for giving Texarkana great memories to cherish forever.

What's Cookin' Texarkana

Right now until the end of June, the Texarkana Museum of Regional History has an exhibit that is worth seeing called "What's Cookin' Texarkana" which includes memorabilia from Bryce's Cafeteria.

Other exhibits showcase vintage items from local restaurants from Texarkana's past. For example, check out this original Jefferson Coffee Shop menu, and notice the prices.

Do you remember The Coffee Cup?

The exhibit will be open Tues-Fri from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-4, the cost is $5, and museum members are FREE.

For more information please visit the Texarkana Museum website or Facebook page. If you are planning to visit Texarkana for the solar eclipse the museum has 2024 Total Eclipse merchandise for purchase at 219 N. State Line Ave.