Tammy has been working at CHIX for sixteen years, and has been managing the restaurant for the past 2 ½ years. Although she is a newlywed, having married Wayne Miles of Ramer earlier this year, Tammy spends a lot of her time working and planning for the restaurant, putting in around 50 hours each week.

Most of the thirteen employees at CHIX have been there a long time, too. Tammy says they are like a big family, and they even enjoy doing things together after work. “One of our favorite things, she says, is Cosmic Bowling” in Montgomery. Then there’s the Haunted Hayride they always attend together on Halloween.

When Tammy speaks of the owner of CHIX, Pauline Edge, she does so endearingly. “Pauline” says Tammy, “is all heart. I think of her as more than a boss. We have a strong bond. Most of the other employees feel that way, too.”

Ms. Edge moved to the Highland Home area in 1965. She had a good understanding of how to please the hungry customers looking for a good meal. Her restaurant holds 19 tables, and seats ninety to feed more than 100 people each day with lunch and take out orders. The menu choices make the place popular and please the customers who fill the tables. The lunch buffet is a weekday favorite around Highland Home, and Friday night customers enjoy ‘steak night’. CHIX accommodates special group functions, church meetings and birthday parties.

Tammy is delighted that people love the variety of pies available for dessert at CHIX. “We average about 20 to thirty pies each week, all freshly homemade. They don’t stay around long!” Pineapple cream cheese, peanut butter cream cheese, peanut butter chocolate and the traditional lemon icebox will tempt the most dedicated dieter.

All in all, it’s a mutual admiration society between the customers and employees of CHIX. “It’s a home away from home for all of us,” says Tammy.

Or at least the kitchen… a very popular one at that.