K Copelin, the remaining original member of the breakfast club at the Brooks General Store and Cafe in Sonora, smiles a toothy grin as he recalls the good old days when a then 12-year-old Delores Copelin was a waitress working her in parents shop.
Delores, 61, is now her own boss. She took over the family business about a decade ago. With the help of her daughters Rhonda and Cindy, Delores serves up hearty country breakfasts and lunches to customers — who are like extended family — from the community and around the world.
Her parents, Ela Mae and Robert Brooks, purchased the business in 1961. The family’s home was adjacent to the store. Enticed by the aromas coming from the family kitchen, customers began asking to purchase any extra food. Delores’ mother then converted part of the general store to a cafe.
The owner’s philosophy is to treat customers like family. Regulars filter in daily, catching up on news and exchanging updates on each other’s families.
“It’s like one big happy family,” Hardin “Sonny” Hatfield said as he enjoyed his favorite breakfast, sausage and grape jelly.
This family extends farther since the cafe is on the TransAmerica Trail, a bicycle route which runs cross-country and attracts riders worldwide. Some camp in the backyard.
Business spikes on Meatloaf Thursdays, which features Delores’ mother’s recipe. Some customers phone ahead to place their order to ensure they get a slice.
“When it’s gone, it’s gone,” Delores said.
While the meatloaf may run out, customers hope the good food and family atmosphere continues.
“I just love what I do,” Delores said. “I’ll do this as long as I can pay the bills.”
