It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years of business for Teresa Lucas, owner of Lil T’s Café in Glenmerry.
The “Lil T” with big spirit is not only celebrating a decade of success in Trail but she is also celebrating a time of new beginnings.
The soup and sandwich shop got its name from Lucas’s waitressing days when she and another waitress named Teresa were referred to as “Big Teresa” and “Little Teresa,” which got shortened to “Lil T.”
Lucas has reopened after closing for about six months while receiving a kidney transplant to deal with a form of kidney disease known as chronic reflux nephropathy, which she’s struggled with since her teens
“I’ve come back with a big BANG,” she said. “Hey look at me, I’m full of energy, I’m like a brand new person now and I’m ready to take on the world.”
Lucas has revamped the exterior of her restaurant, posting new “soft and inviting” signs, three gazebo tents and two new picnic tables.
The idea is to get customers outside and enjoying the sunshine during the summer months.
Lucas is now also offering an all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
“I just feel you’re out there but somewhere along the line you have to reinvent yourself,” she said.
Lucas pointed to her hopes of getting a liquor licence soon and expanding her hours to cater to those who want to sit out on a patio and enjoy a burger in beer for dinner in Trail.
Located at 2905 Highway Dr., Lil T’s is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The shop can be reached at 364-2955.