A fine-art photographer based in Amarillo is helping the iconic Midpoint Cafe in nearby Adrian, Texas, as it struggles through the economic ripples of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jim Livingston, whom many readers may remember from his “I Am Route 66” project, said he would donate proceeds from the sale of photographs of the Route 66 restaurant to Midpoint owner Brenda Hammit-Bradley.
KAMR-TV in Amarillo reported:
This year has not been kind to Hammit-Bradley and the Midpoint Cafe, as they saw a dramatic drop in patrons stopping in because of COVID-19.
“I think I was opened 17 days before I shut down. Route 66 depends on overseas people, and that really hit us hard because they locked everything down. As much support as we’re getting from the U.S. people, and we are, it’s still not quite enough,” said Hammit-Bradley.
That is where local photographer and Route 66 enthusiast Jim Livingston comes into the equation. Livingston is selling the work that he has done of the cafe and donating a portion of those sales to Hammit-Bradley to help out during these times.
“Not only is the Midpoint Cafe important for its historical significance but Brenda is important because of how she treats the people,” said Livingston.
Hammit-Bradley told the station she’s also considering expanding the Midpoint’s operating hours in an effort to recoup her losses.
The full video segment is below:
Her daughter also launched a GoFundMe campaign a few months ago to help her mom. Nearly $3,700 has been raised; the goal is $15,000.
Livingston said online photo sales of the Midpoint also would go to the restaurant. Three images featuring the Midpoint are for sale here.
Hammit-Bradley took over ownership of the restaurant about 2 1/2 years ago.
The Midpoint, formerly known as Jesse’s Cafe, attracted notice for its small-town hospitality and what then were known as “ugly crust pies.” Fran Houser, who owned the restaurant for over 20 years, gained fame when she served as an inspiration to the Flo character in the original Disney-Pixar “Cars” movie in 2006. She retired from her restaurateur duties a few years ago.
Across the road from the restaurant is the “Midpoint of Route 66” marker that denoted 1,139 miles to Chicago or Santa Monica. It has become a prime photo opportunity for travelers over the years.
(Image of the Midpoint Cafe sign in Adrian, Texas, by Peer Lawther via Flickr)