Step back in time as you enter the family friendly cafe in the
heart of downtown Hollister.
Step back in time as you enter the family friendly cafe in the heart of downtown Hollister.
Terence Woodard opened the Hard Times Cafe six years ago with a view of providing a family restaurant with an authentic 1930s flair, which is reflected in the decor and the menu.
Woodard featured a 10-cent cup of coffee the day he opened, and he remembers one customer reminiscing about the old days, when coffee was only 5 cents a cup.
“In those early depression years, people would gather together for no other reason than to talk about the day,” Woodard said. “They were hard times, but very social times.”
Hard Times Cafe is a comfortable place to spend time with family, meet a friend for lunch or take a break from work. The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Since Hard Times Cafe opened its doors Oct. 8, 1996, the customers have been coming back for Hard Times Cafe’s Blue Plate Specials like meatloaf and hearty stews.
“We offer quality throughout all we do,” Woodard said. “We pride ourselves on fresh and high caliber products like our daily soups, signature salads and our fifteen gourmet sandwich choices.”
Woodard, who grew up in Southern California, studied to be a chef and has worked in hotels and restaurants for 10 years. He is happy he found a supportive community like Hollister to open his own business in.
“I’ve had guests who have been coming back since day one,” Woodard said. “They are very appreciative and tell us how much they like the freshness and friendly service.”
He hires local high school students to help him with the day-to-day operations. Many of his employees have been with him since the beginning.
“They have great personalities and are friendly, but the real boss is my son Sean. I work for him,” he said laughing. “My guests know him and ask how he’s doing. I have the nicest, kindest guests. They are very thoughtful.”
Hard Times Cafe is a family-oriented restaurant. There are games and books for kids, and televisions play old black and white movies such as “Casablanca” and Woodard’s favorite, “Lil Rascals.”
In addition to the Blue Plate Specials, Hard Times Cafe offers up original family and home style dining to eat in or take home, weekend breakfast buffets, Sunday brunch and Grandma’s Sunday dinner.
“We offer quite a diverse menu, there is really something for everyone,” he said. “I like to create new menus that are reflective of what the restaurant itself is. A restaurant is always a work in progress, and Hard Times Cafe has its own little heart beat.”
