For many years, “The Old Blue Hop Restaurant and Disco” was located on Congress Boulevard, not far from the Northside Church of Christ.  The Café catered to blacks and whites and the foods served were delectable and delicious.  Inside, there was a jukebox, which played the popular soul sounds of the day. 

 In a printed advertisement, the title was “The Old Blue Hop Restaurant and Disco.”  Not only were fine foods served daily, but the interior disco was held nightly.  In addition, it was open daily for lunch, beginning at 11 a.m.  No quitting time was ever known or posted.  It did specifically read: “For factory workers and businessmen and women.”

 According to Tammy Hayes Reynolds, “The original Blue Hop was owned by Mrs. Ocie Fuson.  She was Jackie Neal Smith’s maternal grandmother.  Miss Ocie used to live in the house adjacent to the Blue Hop.  Later, Billy Jackson Tubbs reopened it and used Miss Ocie’s house as his office for Old Hickory Services.  In the 1980’s, the daily luncheon plates were from Bonnie’s Kitchen, said Billy Jackson.  The menu was broadcast on WJLE every day.  I have my grandmother’s (Nettie Jane League) old photo album and a jukebox was pictured in the background.`` 

 For further clarification, Billie Ann (Tubbs) Trigueros remembered, “Mama League (Bonnie – now deceased), Aunt Claudine League, Aunts Judy and Gwen, and Mama – all made the pies that had mile-high meringue.”  Previously, Bonnie used to cook at the former Sunrise Grill, and was noted for making the best pies in the world, as did Clara Bell Stokes.”

 Kristie L. Tubbs-Trapps recalled, “Billie Tubbs, I remember you having your birthday at the restaurant when we were in 8th grade.  My parents, Brenda and B. J. Tubbs, were co-owners with Larry and Judy League.  Good memories.”

In several Facebook posts, a few local attendees commented:

Peggy Barnes said, “The food was delicious.”

Roger Tramel said, “I loved the place.  They always made me feel welcome.”

Brian D. Hines said, “Smithville used to be a happening place.”

Today, all that remains are fond memories and the aroma of baking the best food in the world.