Cottonwood’s Georgie’s Cafe has been inviting diners in for a free full-course Thanksgiving meal for two decades.
This year, it’ll be business as usual. On Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Georgie’s staff — yes, every single one of them — will be on hand to serve the communities of the Verde Valley.
“Last year, I believe we had just about 1,800 people,” Georgie’s Manager John Roske said. “It’s quite a day.”
Roske is significantly understating the operation, which begins nearly two weeks ahead of time when staff begins prepping 1,200 pounds of turkey. Without commercial ovens, the task is a massive one.
By the time Thanks-giving day rolls around, there are nearly 30 different items for diners to choose from — each of them made almost entirely from scratch.
“We do everything in house,” Roske added. “It’s more than a meal. It’s a full spread, just like home …. My entire staff works that day, basically waiting on everybody hand and foot.”
Roske said that the meal is an opportunity to introduce yourself to neighbors from all over the Verde Valley.
“Not a seat goes unsat in,” Roske said. “If you’re at a table of six and there’s four of you, and two people come in, guess what? We’re seating them with you …. You basically end up meeting someone you don’t know.”
According to Roske, Thanksgiving is one of only two days during the year Georgie’s closes. The other is Christmas.
For those looking for a Thanksgiving meal prior to the day itself — and who have received their editions of The Camp Verde Journal or Cottonwood Journal Extra early — the Bread of Life Community Dinner takes place Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Camp Verde Community Center Gym.
The multi-church, multi-agency organization offers free meal service in the same location, serving approximately 200 people each week.
For Thanksgiving, however, Bread of Life’s Duane Burris anticipates serving upward of 400 community members. The all-volunteer staff will number anywhere from 35 to 50.
According to Burris, the majority of the food comes from St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, which offers food assistance programs throughout the state. Monetary and material donations come mainly from the public.
Old Town Mission will be serving Thanksgiving dinner at the mission on Nov. 23.
“We will be transforming our lunch room into a beautiful restaurant and seating our guests between noon and 2:30 p.m.,” stated OTM General Manager Kellie Wilson. “At last year’s event we were able to serve over 300 individuals.”
The mission is still seeking volunteers for setup, cleanup, cooking and serving. Call 634-7869 to volunteer for the event.
The dinner is free, but the mission will take cash donations to help cover costs.
Both Bread of Life and Old Town Mission participated in turkey and Thanksgiving meal distributions prior to their dinners.
