Tim’s Place: The Restaurant that Serves Breakfast with a Side of Hugs

Tim’s Place, a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serves up traditional diner favorites such as blueberry pancakes, bacon ‘n eggs, and cheeseburgers—all with a side of hugs.

Dubbed the “world’s friendliest restaurant,” Tim’s Place has served more than 32,400 hugs to hungry customers. The restaurant’s owner, Tim Harris, has made it his mission to hug every visitor who comes in.

Harris, who has Down’s syndrome, has never let his disability get in his way. Since age 14, he’s vowed to own a restaurant. He worked as a restaurant host in high school, and then graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with certificates in Food Service and Office Skills. After that, with his family’s help and support, Harris’ childhood dream became a reality.

Alongside the Mexican and traditional American staples, Tim’s Place’s menu offers “calorie-free” and “guilt-free” hugs, guaranteed to “improve your lease on life.”

“I love giving all the customers a hug because I want them to feel comfortable and connected and being around friends,” Harris told Albuquerque The Magazine.