MACON, Ga. — Its a 'ghouda' time to grab a bowl of tomato soup...today is National grilled cheese day!
One hidden gem of Macon serves up grilled cheeses on the regular - all made with love.
The Gateway Café is nestled in the Gateway Plaza building and has been serving downtown Macon for years.
They offer soups, salads., and sandwiches - especially their famous grilled cheese.
It is buttery, toasty, and creamy, and always made with love and care.
"We like to run em through the toaster and get em nice and toasty and warm, and put a little bit of butter on em for that flavor when you first bite into it," says Owner Kim McElhaney.
It pairs perfectly with their homemade tomato basil soup and crackers.
In addition to homemade soups and sandwiches, the Café also has a salad bar for customers and even has a box full of personalized salad recipes.
When customers come in for thee first time and order a salad, they can fill out a laminated card with ll the toppings and dressings they want. It's then stored in a little polka-dot box that sits on the ordering counter.
That way if customers want to repeat that order, all they have to do is call up the Café and say "I'd like my usual!" or "Can I get my salad today without onions?" and the staff can have it ready for you when you walk in the door.
McElhaney says they keep each order stored alphabetically by first name, and they do it to show their customers they care for them and remember them.
"A lot of customers like that because its personal...we value our customers. Definitely," she said.
It's clear McElhaney's passion for hospitality shines through, and says she looks forward to spreading their name.
"We are really the best kept secret in town, so when you find us don't keep us a secret. Spread the word, tell your friends," she said.
If you want some great grilled cheese, you can find the Café in the Gateway Plaza Building on Mulberry Street.
They are open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.