As the holiday season arrives, T’ings Tavern in Jefferson City is opening its doors to ensure no one in Jefferson County spends Thanksgiving alone or without good food and warm smiles.
For the second year, the bar is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 28, with food served from 2 p.m. in the back room, the old dancing hall. Angel Molyneaux, T’ings’ owner since 2022, said the event reflects the bar’s mission.
“We are very community oriented,” she said.
T’ings’ bartender-chef Betty King and her husband Tony are preparing the feast, which includes a 16-pound smoked turkey, King’s famous lumpless garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and some desserts, among other foods.
“I like to cook,” King admitted.
King’s skills have been decades in the making. She’s been cooking since she was 13, when her mother left and she took over kitchen duties. Years of making five pounds of potatoes nightly for her family helped her perfect her techniques.
King has worked at T’ings for two years, spending four or five days a week either cooking or bartending. The Kings began their work on Tuesday, brining the turkey in preparation for smoking – which could take up to six hours, according to King.
At last year’s inaugural Thanksgiving dinner, prepared by bartender T’sa and her family, T’ings served two turkeys, two hams and all the traditional fixings. The event drew about 60 people, exceeding expectations. King hopes for another large crowd this year.
“Everybody is welcome,” she said.
Community members are welcome to bring side dishes to the potluck-style meal, but there’s no obligation. Guests are encouraged to take home any remaining food when the event ends at 4 p.m.
T’ings did not host a Thanksgiving meal in Molyneaux’s first year of ownership, but she has since consistently sought to appeal to residents and create a community hub. In addition to its new Thanksgiving tradition, the bar hosts regular live music and karaoke nights as well as larger gatherings for most major holidays, including Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.
This Christmas will mark the second year T’ings partners with Clancy Elementary for a giving tree program. Molyneaux works with Krista King, school counselor and homeless liaison, to identify families in-need, who submit their three top wants and three top needs.
These are listed on ornaments hung from the bar’s Christmas tree and patrons are encouraged to select an ornament and purchase the item listed. Just before Christmas, the school collects the gifts, which are wrapped and given to the families. Last year, King was surprised at how quickly the ornaments disappeared from the tree.
T’ings stands as a reminder that community is built through consistent acts of welcome: a warm meal, an open door and the simple message that no one needs to be alone.
“Our heart is to help the community and provide a place for people to come whether it is Thanksgiving or not,” Molyneaux said. “This isn’t just a bar.”
Find more information about the Thanksgiving event and other gatherings at https://www.facebook.com/p/Tings-Tavern-100076467871944/.
