Fran Houser has put her Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, up for sale after a 20-year tenure in which she elevated it to a prime stop for travelers on Route 66.
Houser said in a phone interview Friday that the asking price is $195,000. Those interested should call her home phone at 806-538-6380.
The Midpoint, formerly known as Jesse’s Cafe, is touted as the halfway mark of Route 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica, and also gained nationwide notice for the restaurant’s small-town hospitality and its delicious “ugly crust pies.”
Houser also gained fame when she served as an inspiration to the Flo character in the original Disney-Pixar “Cars” movie in 2006.
Houser said she still enjoys meeting with Route 66 travelers. But she said she and longtime helper Joann Harwell have encountered some physical problems in recent years. Houser said a visit with her daughter in April convinced her to travel more and do other things “while I have time.”
Houser said she planned to open a western-wear store in an old gas station next to the Midpoint Cafe after the restaurant is sold. “I don’t want to lose contact with the Route 66 people,” she said.
As for the restaurant’s financial viability, she noted that customer numbers are looking great so far this tourist season, and that Midpoint already is being booked for tours for 2012.
While you really have to wish Fran well it will certainly be the end of an era when she goes! GOOD LUCK FRAN…you deserve nothing but the best.
John and Judy Springs
Fran, I wish you all the best, and look forward to introducing you to Nancy in June!
Good luck Fran! I hope you are still at the Midpoint in a few weeks when we visit. I have a little something for you compliments of myself and your hometown Mayor, Dan Knapik!!!!
Fran – it will NEVER be the same without you there, and yet as the double arch supper club would say, “you deserve a break today”! We wish you all the best, and hope you’ll take a trip down the road once more and visit us all. We’ll be looking for that new western-wear store, see ya soon in Armadillo and there better still be some Ugly Crust…