SAN ANTONIO – From fried chicken to meat loaf, Earl Abel's is considered a San Antonio dining institution.
"Earl Abel's is southern, home-style, comfort food," owner Roger Arias said.
The food has been a staple in the Alamo City for over 80 years.
Earl Abel was out of a job in 1933 and decided to start a business that would eventually spawn six other locations.
In 2006, Arias and other partners bought the business from the Abel family with the goal of preserving the restaurant's history.
"We say it's a San Antonio tradition, but it really is a tradition here in San Antonio for San Antonians to come out en masse to Earl Abel's restaurant," Arias said.
One tradition they continue is keeping its doors open on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
The entryway of the restaurant features old Thanksgiving menus from the 1940s and 1950s. Earl Abel's also prepares packages to go.
From steady regular customers to loyal employees, Earl Abel's now blends the past with the present.
"I just feel good servicing our customers and making them happy," Arias said.