As you walk down the main street of Hennessey, the delicious smell of sizzling fried onion burgers fills the air, teasing your senses and making your mouth water as you look forward to lunchtime. This tempting aroma is courtesy of Gail’s Grill, which has been serving up these delectable burgers for 50 years! Gail Hardin opened Gail’s Grill on January 7th, 1974, and her very first customers were Cecil and Kathryn Enix, keeping the $2 payment as a memento of the occasion. Back then, Gail had a simple menu, offering fried onion burgers, french fries, and a bowl of homemade chili, along with her two signature items: The Gail’s Special, an open-faced cheeseburger topped with chili, and the Toastato, a pile of chips, American cheese, a big scoop of chili topped with lettuce and tomato. Gail’s motto was “We didn’t invent the burger. We just perfected it,” and it became popular, often leading to a line out the door and down the sidewalk. Gail’s Grill hasn’t changed much over the 50 years, still seating only 14 customers at a bar with a view of the cook flipping burgers as you wait for yours to be prepared. Gail sold Gail’s Grill to Randy and Sandra Hardin in 1983. Sandra owned and operated it for a combined 30 years with several leasing operators, including Nadine Hardin, Trish Streck, and the current operator, Tammy Dobbs. Tammy has worked at Gail’s Grill for 17 years and mentions that the menu has expanded to include several unique items. She is willing to make anything as long as she has the ingredients to do so. Tammy has made it easy for hungry customers to order carry-out by offering online ordering through the website gails-grill.square.site. Additionally, she has incorporated credit card payment options for added convenience. To celebrate 50 years of business, Gail’s Grill will be open on Saturday, June 8th, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, offering free drinks to all dine-in customers provided by Floyd Hardin, and random giveaways throughout the day. Keep an eye out for the Cowboy pointing you the way to 210 S. Main Hennessey!
