Mel's

In 1992, that promise came to fruition and a successful American Dream opened its doors, instantly becoming a landmark in Lafayette – Mels Diner . Mel grew up in Lafayette during the rock-n-roll era when the kids were doing the twist, the stomp and wearing pompadours and poodle skirts. Her love for music and dancing earned Mel the title of Best Dancer among her friends with a closet full of jitterbug trophies to prove it. With a bee bop in her step and an undeniable joie de vive, Mel caught the eye of her one and only – Jack. He grew up in the small town of Mansura, Louisiana and proudly served in the U.S. Navy, stationed at the embassy in Paris, France. The G.I. Bill led him to Lafayette where he graduated from S.L.I. (U of L – Lafayette for you youngsters) with honors. Upon graduation, he began working for a local burgeoning restaurant and in 1963, Jack was part of the opening crew for the local restaurant in the very location where Mels Diner stands today. Not only did Jack fall in love with Mel, but he fell for the restaurant business too. Jack and Mel eloped soon after they met and the young couple spent their honeymoon delivering pies from the commissary to the restaurants. This commitment to hard work and spontaneous good times rolled for the next thirty years. Jack continued working for the local restaurant, rising to president and opening 76 locations in eight states and was in top management of a merged firm, with responsibilities in 18 states. Eventually, Jack left the company and franchised the four locations in Lafayette. During these decades, there were exciting changes in the industry and Jack learned good food as well as what customers like and expect. At home, Mel was busy raising and educating their three daughters in Lafayette and became a prominent volunteer for numerous civic organizations and school functions and committees. Jack and Mel had an established business in the community and the girls had gone away to college but together they