By Jake Moore
When I was little, and on Saturday mornings, my dad took my sister, my brother, and I to Mathias Sandwich shop. We were decent kids, but on Saturday mornings, we were awful.
Without my mother’s supervision, we were free to roam the restaurant. We were also free to order anythng we wanted.
Sammie Mathias didn’t help in the healthy breakfast department. Every Saturday morning, a giant glass container of brownies were intentionally placed squarely on the counter for all the children to see. These brownies were our breakfast appetizer.
After the brownie, I typically ordered my usual. A grilled cheese sandwich with potato chips and a coke.
Any of our friends who spent the night on Friday evenings were treated to Mathias’ on Saturday mornings. These friends simply couldn’t believe it. Brownie’s for breakfast and free reign to run about a public restaurant.
Keep in mind, this place was always packed with regulars and these regulars knew no boundaries.
There really didn’t seem to be any rules. Customers freely walked into the kitchen and refilled their own drinks behind the counter without asking. Old guys tried to read newspapers while children played with whatever they could purchase from the quarter machines. Bouncy balls, gum, m&m’s, and whatever plastic contraption we could get our hands on were consumed or thrown from booth to booth.
At one point, Sammie had a “buzzer” by the front door. Whenever anyone walked across this invisible laser buzzer line, a horrific loud noise sounded letting anyone behind the counter know that another customer had arrived.
Now, for a child, an invisible laser line that makes a loud noise in a restaurant is pure gold. This thing was great. You could try to make it go off as much as possible, you could try to make music with it, you could play ninja and try to jump over it without making it go off. You could try to go under it. You could throw things at it. Again, pure gold.
And keep in mind, this thing was right by the front door. That being the case, for any new customers, the first thing they experienced at Mathias’ was about 7 kids blocking the front door and screaming their heads off.
By the time we finished eating our brownies and playing ninja, the place was typically empty. We ran everyone out of there. My family made the atmosphere so heinous that nobody could eat in peace.
Despite our behavior, I never once remember being held back or called down by Sammie. He never said anything. He was just as bad as my dad.
Truly, the only thing he ever did to curtail rambunctious behavior was remove the invisible ninja laser. A decision I never forgave. At a time like this, I am trying to find peace and forgiveness in my heart. Frankly, I just can’t do it. The laser should still be there.
Mathias’ Sandwich shop was a breakfast playground. It remains almost exactly as it was. No real rules, no restrictions. A social gathering spot. A place to meet after the game. A place to sit during the okra strut.
As a child, Saturdays were the best. All my happiest memories happened on Saturdays and all of those memories began with a Mathias breakfast.
I’ve seen million dollar deals cut from those booths. I’ve seen life decisions made within those walls. I can still hear Mickey Epting’s laughter when I walk through the doors.
I’ve eaten a grilled cheese in the morning, a cheeseburger in the afternoon, and a peanut butter and jelly with no crust at night.
I can’t properly watch a ballgame without a Mathias’ breakfast. I can’t tailgate without a Mathias’ sandwich tray.
If I really think about it, the best part of Mathias’ Sandwich shop is the smell. It permeates your clothes and it’s wonderful. Ten seconds in that restaurant and you smell like it all day. And that’s never a bad day.
As I get older, the people I respect the most are the ones who exhibit patience and unconditional kindness. The people who create peaceful and positive environments where everyone but Clemson fans feel comfortable. Sammie is the blueprint.
Mrs. Lisa, I love you and your family. Sometimes, people impact folks in ways they’ll never know. I hope you know the impact you’ve had on me.
Brownie’s for breakfast are good.
