Norma’s Café in Oak Cliff, Dallas, has quietly carried a beautiful Thanksgiving tradition for more than 30 years: on Thanksgiving Day, they open their doors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to serve a free holiday meal to anyone who comes. The restaurant is located at 1123 W. Davis Street, and every year volunteers, staff, and community supporters prepare thousands of home‑cooked meals. In past years, the tally has reached over 8,000 free dinners, feeding individuals, families, people from shelters, and houses of worship alike.
The meal is classic, comforting: roasted turkey (sometimes swapped for chicken if needed), cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and giblet gravy. The spread also includes rolls, salad, fruit — and of course, pumpkin pie for dessert. The tradition goes all the way back to 1988 when the owner, Ed Murph, and his wife Pam first launched the free Thanksgiving dinner as a way to give back to their Oak Cliff community.
What makes this tradition especially meaningful is how it reflects Norma’s spirit: part diner, part neighborhood anchor. Over the decades, volunteers have stepped in to serve, and sponsors help with food and logistics, but the heart of the event is Norma’s belief that Thanksgiving belongs to everyone — regardless of their means or situation. Regular patrons, longtime Oak Cliff residents, and newcomers join the line together, and when they sit down to eat, they share more than a plate — they share a reminder that generosity can be as warm and filling as any holiday feast.
