There is a familiar face in a new place.
Bob O’Donnell, who is best known as the owner of Bob’s Burgers Pasta and Pizza in Bells, has been hired to work at ‘The Lex – featuring Bob’s Burgers’ – a restaurant located in the Student Union on the campus at Union University.
For Bob, it’s the next chapter in his life, after he lost his business due to a fire in January 2023.
“I was at my location for a reason,” Bob said, “The restaurant burned down, and it totally changed my life. “I didn’t know what I was going to do and a friend of mine who is a pastor – Dr. Mark Howard out of Bells – told me “Bob you just have to let go and let God,” because I was trying to figure out what to do.””
Bob entertained the idea of opening another restaurant and considered the possibilities of operating a food truck.
It took a little negotiating with Union, but it didn’t take long for Union to sell the idea of working at the school to Bob.
“I debated it back and forth … I literally let God have (situation),” Bob said, “I told Him, “I am your servant; I will follow you no matter what.””
Bob said several customers who would visit his restaurant in Bells were employed at Union.
”It wasn’t three weeks later, Union called me, and I said I would go to Jackson for Union … but not for anything else,” Bob said, “I like the Christian atmosphere, and I love cooking.
“I thought about retiring, but I wanted to do this – I want to cook – and I’ve been here five weeks.
“They invited me to work here, ‘The Lex – featuring Bob’s Burgers’ – I’m just an employee.”
Originally from St. Louis, Bob, who worked for Longhorn Steakhouse, transferred to the Jackson area about 20 years ago.
“I asked for a transfer,” Bob, age 62, said, “My wife is from Bells and her dad had health issues. We came home to help, and her dad is 90 and still kicking.”
Bob said business at The Lex is up from the previous year, and one of the reasons is non-students are frequenting the restaurant.
“One of the students asked, “Why are all the old people here,” Bob said, laughing, “We’re getting the word out and they are starting to come here. The traffic is giving the school recognition. The cafeteria is also open to the public and we hope more people catch on to it.”
(PHOTO: Bob O’Donnell brings his famous hamburger to ‘The Lex’ at Union University)
