On a recent Sunday morning a few minutes before the opening of McNeely's Place, I found myself on the broad front porch. There, I made the acquaintance of Ray Allen, who was among a small group of customers waiting to get in. Allen shared with me that he makes it a point to come to the North Augusta dining room every Sunday at 11 to enjoy a meal.

Discovering the Sunday Ritual at McNeely's

Waiting on the Porch

As I stood on the front porch, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The few minutes before opening allowed me to observe the early arrivals, and that's when I met Ray Allen. He seemed a regular here, and his presence added a touch of familiarity to the scene.

Ray's demeanor was calm and relaxed as he patiently waited for the doors to open. It was clear that this Sunday routine was important to him, and I was curious to learn more about his connection to the place.

Inside the Dining Room

Peering through the windows from the porch, I witnessed one of the staff setting a glass of tea on a windowside two-top table. The sight was inviting, and it only added to the excitement of what was to come.

When the front door finally opened, Ray walked in with a sense of purpose and headed straight for that very table. It was his usual spot, where he would sit every Sunday and enjoy sweet tea with his dinner. I couldn't help but be intrigued by his choice and decided to ask him for a recommendation on what I should eat.

Ray's Recommendation

Without hesitation, Ray recommended turkey and dressing. His confidence in this choice was evident, and it made me curious to try it for myself.

He explained that the turkey and dressing at McNeely's was a must-try, with its delicious flavors and comforting combination. It was clear that he had a deep appreciation for the food served here and wanted to share that with me. I took his recommendation to heart and was eager to experience it for myself.