Participants in the discussions on the old Threadcity Forum and today’s Willimantic-oriented social media sites, have talked about many of Willimantic’s former small places to eat. One of the places mentioned most often was Jim’s Coffee Spot on Main Street. Jim’s was the quintessential small town small restaurant.  In 2001, John Sullivan reminisced. “I have been told by many that Jim and Peggy Sullivan made some of the best grinders in town and that the meat sauce and grinder sauce that they made was fantastic. I should know. I was the second of three sons who worked there for my parents. They ran the business at 862 Main Street from St. Patricks Day of 1953 to December 31 of 1984. It was located between the two movie theaters, the Capitol and the Gem and with the local YMCA being the place to be (this was before and after the “Y” was rebuilt). Their business went back to the days when all the stores in town were open late on Thursdays and lasted until all of the business moved out”. During the late 50s and early 60s Jim's Coffee Spot was the afternoon hang out for many of the teenagers from Windham High. During that time students from the high schools of surrounding towns would also spend afternoon hours at Jim's. Another contributor said, “My first job was washing dishes in the back room of Jim's and from that small window between the back room and the eating area I learned plenty about people. At that time Main Street was a thriving hub and it seemed that almost everyone you knew came to Jim's. I soon moved up to taking orders and making Milk Shakes (Malted if requested) and at slow times Jim even let me work the grill. When it was busy, only Peg or Jim could keep all of the orders straight. The best thing about working at Jim's was that you ate for free and I sure did my share of that. Now that I think of it so did everyone else that worked there. Jim and Peg were loved and respected by everyone who knew them. Most knew Peg better than they knew Jim because Jim was the silent type. He only spoke when he had something important to say or to give someone sorely needed guidance. Jim's was a safe haven and rarely was there any trouble.” Jim's had a Hero's Wall located next to the milk shake machine and it was full of pictures sent to him from the many young people who were customers of Jim's that had entered the Service. The food at Jim’s garnered rave reviews. Lenny Lacey recalls, “For me and I am sure many of you, a great “Burger Memory” would be from Jim's, nothing special, just absolutely delicious. Maybe it was the years of grease on the grill, or just how Jim flipped them, but the taste is one I will never forget. Nothing better than a Burger, Fries and a Coke after a double feature at the Capital on a summer Saturday afternoon. Jim’s was better known for its footlong hot dogs (called Texas Wieners) with the “special sauce” on a toasted bun. Scores of people commented on how good the hot dogs were. Said one person, “Texas Wieners for the win in my book”. Notice Jim’s windows in this week’s picture. Several people pointed out the signs. The correct spelling would be “wiener”. And, at Jim’s, a hamburger was a “hamburg” and this elicited many comments and folks wondering if maybe “hamburg” was a local or regional pronunciation. People also shared lots of comments about the special or “secret” sauces Jim used for his grinders or on his hot dogs. The legendary sauce recipes, unfortunately, were never revealed. Sometimes, so much about growing up in a small town is revealed in a photo. This week’s photo shows much more than a restaurant, it is an icon of growing up in a small town. One person who has since moved from CT summed it up by saying, “I feel blessed and privileged to have been born and raised in Willimantic. It will always be my hometown and I’m grateful for such a wonderful place to grow up. Yes Jim’s made the best food…my memories are vivid and cherished!”