Family dinners
David Toczko
K Copelin, the remaining original member of the breakfast club at the Brooks General Store and Cafe in Sonora, smiles a toothy grin as he recalls the good old days when a then 12-year-old Delores Copelin was a waitress working her in parents shop.
Delores, 61, is now her own boss. She took over the family business about a decade ago. With the help of her daughters Rhonda and Cindy, Delores serves up hearty country breakfasts and lunches to customers — who are like extended family — from the community and around the world.
Her parents, Ela Mae and Robert Brooks, purchased the business in 1961. The family’s home was adjacent to the store. Enticed by the aromas coming from the family kitchen, customers began asking to purchase any extra food. Delores’ mother then converted part of the general store to a cafe.
The owner’s philosophy is to treat customers like family. Regulars filter in daily, catching up on news and exchanging updates on each other’s families.
“It’s like one big happy family,” Hardin “Sonny” Hatfield said as he enjoyed his favorite breakfast, sausage and grape jelly.
This family extends farther since the cafe is on the TransAmerica Trail, a bicycle route which runs cross-country and attracts riders worldwide. Some camp in the backyard.
Business spikes on Meatloaf Thursdays, which features Delores’ mother’s recipe. Some customers phone ahead to place their order to ensure they get a slice.
“When it’s gone, it’s gone,” Delores said.
While the meatloaf may run out, customers hope the good food and family atmosphere continues.
“I just love what I do,” Delores said. “I’ll do this as long as I can pay the bills.”
Located on Main Street in Sonora, Brooks General Store & Cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Brooks has been operating as a family-owned business since 1961.
"The Breakfast Club," a group of regulars at Brooks General Store & Cafe in Sonora, convenes over coffee. Brooks has been in business since 1961.
Rhonda Copelin, center, 36, of Upton laughs with lunch time patrons as she takes their orders. Rhonda is the daughter of cafe owner Delores Copelin.
K Copelin, 80, of Sonora enjoys a laugh with the breakfast regulars at Brooks General Store & Cafe. Copelin is the only remaining original member of the cafe's breakfast club.
Rhonda Copelin of Brooks General Store & Cafe, center right, takes the orders of Elizabethtown residents Amelia Allen, 61, left, and Dave Lawson, 60, right. The pair frequent the cafe several times a week.
Delores Copelin, owner of Brooks General Store & Cafe in Sonora, keeps an eye on her dining customers. Copelin's family has owned and operated the cafe since 1961.
Rhonda Copelin, far left, 36, of Upton laughs with lunch time patrons as she takes their orders. Rhonda is the daughter of cafe owner, Delores Copelin.
Hardin "Sonny" Hatfield, right, 79, of Glendale demonstrates one of his homemade toys as Pete Tabb, 56, of Glendale, looks on. Sonny is a regular breakfast customer of Brooks General Store & Cafe in Sonora.
Delores Copelin, 61, owner of Brooks General Store & Cafe in Sonora, shows the store's register that has been signed by cyclists on the TransAmerica Trail. Riders from around the world who bike the coast-to-coast trail stop at the store to sign the register.
Robert Brooks, 74, of Sonora leaves the Brooks General Store & Cafe after breakfast. Though he is a regular customer, this was Robert's last visit before going on an extended vacation to Texas.