Ready and willing to serve

By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- It's a classic scene at the end of the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story." When the neighbor's dogs ruin the traditional turkey dinner for Ralphie Parker and his family, the entire clan looks to their patriarch for guidance.
"Get dressed!" he screams. "We're going OUT for dinner."
And so it is, with the final moments showing the Parkers entertained by waiters and a smiling duck at the Chop Suey Palace restaurant.
But can locals enjoy the same togetherness if their own holiday dinners turn sour? Or what if they are simply tired of preparing the annual feast of turkey or ham? Is there anyone out there willing to do the cooking for them?
Big business day
Of course there is, said Charley Jenkins, manager of the Denny's restaurant on Belmont Avenue in Liberty Township.
"It's a humongous day for us," he said. "It's our biggest day of the year. You wouldn't believe the crowds we get."
Jenkins said most restaurants in the chain are open that day, while some franchisees have the option to close if they wish. His store, however, will be open, featuring a full menu and complete service.
He said in his time with the company -- almost nine years now -- it used to be the restaurants closed at 3 p.m., but now most stay open much longer. The longer hours make it easier to accommodate the 80 to 100 people who enter the facility each hour, he said.
Jenkins said he knows it can be hard on employees, who would rather spend the day with their families.
"But, hey, it's your job," he said, adding employees are paid time and a half for working that day.
He also tries to make it easier by allowing workers each year to request the shift they would rather work that day. Most restaurants, including chains such as Applebee's, TGI Fridays, Outback Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse and Red Lobster, are closed for Christmas -- as are such local eateries as Cafe 422, Alberini's and The Ohio Brewing Co.
Quaker Steak and Lube
Employees of Quaker Steak and Lube in Sharon, Pa., get to have the early portion of the holiday to spend with families and friends, since the restaurant won't open until 5 p.m. that day.
Despite the late start, the full kitchen menu will be available, said Tracey Gordon of the marketing department for the Three By The River complex.
While the Lube will operate -- part of its claim to fame on the menu is that the facility is open 365 days a year -- Tulley's and The Hot Rod Cafe will only be open later that evening for bar service and entertainment, Gordon said.
She said the holiday opening has been a tradition of the restaurant since its opening.
"Usually by that time of day, most everyone's holiday festivities are over," she said. "And there are always a lot of people who are in town and want to visit with each other. This is the perfect place to do that."
For those who would rather follow the lead of the Parker family, there are some Chinese restaurants open for holiday dining enjoyment as well.
A check of several in the area show most will close for the holiday, but some, including Great China Buffet on Boardman-Poland Road in Boardman, will open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
slshaulis@vindy.com