Center to serve drive-thru fish dinner this Friday

The Center in Gainesville will host its traditional Friday fried-fish dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this week, but there’s a twist to the midday meal, the first since the facility closed down in March out of concerns related to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

This Friday’s meal will be a drive-thru or outdoor-dining event, a spokeswoman for The Center said Monday. Diners will drive through The Center’s parking lot to pay for and pick up a hot “to-go” meal. If the weather cooperates, the spokeswoman said, diners may also choose to sit at outdoor tables in the parking lot to eat their lunch. Social distancing will be encouraged.

The price is $3.50 for those age 60 and older, $6 for those younger than 60. A person will collect payment in the parking lot, she said. The menu includes fried fish, ham and beans, cornbread, cole slaw and dessert. 

Those planning to participate in the fried-fish dinner are strongly advised to call The Center (417-679-4746) during business hours (8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.) this week to order ahead so they are guaranteed a meal, she said. Calling ahead is especially important for those picking up multiple meals. 

If this first drive-thru fish fry is successful, the spokeswoman said, similar events may be planned in the future. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423