Imagine a restaurant where patrons, friends and the community
have contributed to more than 400 brightly wrapped Christmas gifts
that are placed underneath a 9-foot tall Christmas tree adorned
with lights and ornaments
– Betsy’s Restaurant, recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s
Small Business Showcase award, is more than a family
restaurant.
Imagine a restaurant where patrons, friends and the community have contributed to more than 400 brightly wrapped Christmas gifts that are placed underneath a 9-foot tall Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments – Betsy’s Restaurant, recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Showcase award, is more than a family restaurant.
The ambiance of family and friendliness permeates Betsy’s, giving Morgan Hill residents a great place to eat and hang out. The 22-year-old fixture is known for its good breakfast and barbecued ribs.
The annual Showcase awards are given to a select few businesses and individuals for longtime, outstanding community service.
In the spirit of Christmas, Jesse Nazzal, owner of Betsy’s Restaurant in Tennant Station, will be serving free Christmas dinners on Thursday, Christmas Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., to anyone who shows up. Santa will be on hand to give presents to all the children who come. The community is invited.
Nazzal, who is originally from Palestine, has been a Morgan Hill resident since 1973. He got inspired with the free Christmas dinner tradition twelve years ago while watching a television program about giving to those who are less fortunate.
“ I thought I could do the same thing,” said Nazzal.
He likes helping people who are in need. “Giving free Christmas dinners to children, seniors and to anyone who needs a place to eat on Christmas Day makes me feel good,” said Nazzal.
Nazzal understands what it feels like to be less fortunate than others. He has not always had an easy life.
“My father had some rough times, too,” said Randa Habib, Nazzal’s oldest daughter.
Nazzal believes that his biggest accomplishment is his family and giving back to the community.
“I like to make a lot of people in the community happy, I like to make people in need happy. It’s not the dinner or the toys, it’s the thought,” said Nazzal.
“People appreciate the little things; we do it to have some fun with the kids,” he added.
“We get a lot of kids on Christmas Day,” said Habib.
On Christmas Eve, Nazzal plans to cook 65 boneless turkeys to serve 500 to 600 dinners. Dinner includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, bread and pies donated by Marie Callender’s Restaurant and Bakeries. Residents who want to help feed the anticipated crowd are welcome to stop by.
“Come on down,” said Habib.
Betsy’s has done a lot for the community.
“I think that my father’s restaurant was chosen for this award because he does a lot for the community. He gives cash contributions, gift certificates and donates to schools and other organizations,” said Habib.
Betsy’s helped provide food for senior lunch programs on days when the lunch program was closed and provided dinners for fundraisers that supported the ChildSpree program, that takes needy kids shopping for school clothes.
A sense of family and community is noticed as customers continuously stroll in, adding more presents to the mountain of gifts underneath the tree.
Amy Nazzal, Jesse’s younger daughter is behind the counter happily taking orders and talking to customers. As seated customers eat, they smile at Nazzal when he glances their way.
Before Betsy’s, Nazzal owned a market. He decided that he needed a business that would give him flexible hours to be with his four children once they started school. Betsy’s opened in 1981 serving breakfast and lunch. The restaurant allowed him to work while they were in school and to be at home when they returned from school.
Today, Nazzal is at the restaurant every day. He opens the restaurant at 6:30 a.m. and closes it at 9 p.m. The restaurant is named for Nazzal’s wife, Betsy. They have lived in Morgan Hill since 1974.
“This is my last year working,” exclaimed Nazzal. “Jan. 1 is my last day.”
Actually, Christmas Day is Nazzal’s last day because the restaurant is closing for the holidays and will reopen on Jan. 2.
“He really wants to retire and we are taking over,” laughs Habib.
“My kids are taking over, but I plan to help them once in a while,” added Nazzal. “If Betsy’s could get a long-term lease, I would love to expand, remodel and make a delightful family restaurant and lounge for my children to run.”
“It is kind of hard without a lease; we are on a month-to-month lease,” adds Habib. Because Tennant Station is about to undergo a major remodeling, lease upgrades are not being discussed at this time.
Betsy’s is located in a building that is expected to remain standing while some of the Tennant Station buildings are being replaced with a new Safeway store. Meanwhile, Nazzal’s four children will run the restaurant and business will go on as usual.
Nazzal plans to enjoy his time off golfing and maybe get in a little exercise when he is not doting over the newest family member and first grandchild, Aliyah Habib, who is three months old.
Betsy’s Restaurant offers traditional American food served in a friendly family environment. This successful small business whose owner is known for his generous support, family values and community involvement is excited about being named for the Showcase Small Business award.
The Showcase Awards dinner will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road at East Dunne Avenue. Tickets to the dinner are $69 each. To reserve a place, call the Chamber, 779-9444.
