Compadres Texas Cafe

Mayhugh said the previous owner was an Oak Ridge resident and thought the community was in need of a good neighborhood eatery. She said the name "Compadres" often confuses customers, as they expect the restaurant to serve only Mexican food.

"It's kind of misleading," she said. "It's Tex-Mex, but our most popular items are chicken-fried steak and chicken-fried chicken."

Adorning the walls of the spacious dining room are Texas memorabilia and country harbingers from days gone by. Rusted, vintage Texas license plates serve as decorations. Hats from Texas colleges and universities hang around the restaurant alongside a framed Lone Star Flag and various country decor.

Mayhugh said she maintains a large number of regulars and returning customers who appreciate the home-cooked food at Compadres. She said her favorite part of working at the restaurant is getting to know her customers on a personal level.

"Being in such a small community is great," Mayhugh said. "I love my customers; the people are fantastic. The owners are always on-hand; we're like a family. It doesn't feel like a job."