Race Car Diner

09/01/2026

🌱❤️ THIS is what investing in the NEXT GENERATION looks like!

Our pastor reminds us all the time: our youth aren’t just part of our community… they are the FUTURE of it. And today, these young people showed exactly why we should be proud of them. 🙌

A HUGE thank you to James Bender , Astatula Christian School, and the 11th Grade Ag Class for coming out to Race Car Diner and completely redoing our flower bed. 🌸🌿

This wasn’t just a flower bed to me.

My dad always enjoyed taking care of it, and since he passed away, it has been one of those little things that reminds me of him every time I see it. Unfortunately, I definitely did not inherit his green thumb. 😂 So having these students step in and bring it back to life means more to me than they will ever know. ❤️

This is why supporting our local schools and our young people matters. When we pour into them, teach them, encourage them, and give them opportunities to serve, they turn around and pour right back into our community.

So here’s my challenge to our community: SUPPORT THESE KIDS! 👏

Encourage them. Thank them. Support their programs. Show up for their fundraisers. Give them opportunities to learn and serve. And when you see young people doing something GOOD in our community, make sure they hear about it!

The world is quick to point out what the younger generation is doing wrong. Let’s be even louder when they’re doing something RIGHT. ❤️🙌

Thank you again, James Bender, Astatula Christian School, and the 11th Grade Ag Class. You didn’t just plant flowers today… you honored a memory and reminded us just how bright the future can be. 🌱❤️

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example…” — 1 Timothy 4:12

May God bless each and every one of you. 🙏

Jamie- Race Car Diner 🏁❤️

08/27/2026

🌱❤️ A Special Project Is Growing at Race Car Diner ❤️🌱

Sometimes God has a way of putting the right people in your path at exactly the right time.

We are so excited to share that Race Car Diner is partnering with Astatula Christian School and the ACS 11th Grade Agriculture Class on a very special community project!

As most of you know, my daddy loved plants and gardening. 🌿 He definitely had the green thumb in our family… and unfortunately, that is one thing I did not inherit from him. 😂 Since recently having the property cleaned up and getting everything looking nice again, I’ve been staring at the empty flower bed in front of the diner wondering, “What in the world am I going to do with this?”

Then this afternoon, James and the students walked through our doors.

And in that moment, I just knew. ❤️

God had already answered my question.

What started as an empty flower bed is now going to become something so much more meaningful. We are going to work with these students to bring it back to life, and when they’re finished, the flower bed in front of Race Car Diner will be planted in memory of my daddy. 🌸🌿

There is something incredibly special about knowing that a group of young people learning about agriculture will help create a place where flowers can grow in honor of a man who loved growing things himself.

My daddy may no longer be here to tend a garden, but every time those flowers bloom, there will be a little reminder of him right outside our doors. ❤️

I truly believe God can take something as simple as an empty flower bed and turn it into a blessing, a memory, and an opportunity to help the next generation grow.

The ACS 11th Grade Agriculture Class is working to give back to our community and raise funds for their school and fellow students. All proceeds from their fundraising efforts go directly toward supporting the school and its students.

Please SHARE and help us support these hardworking young people! We are so excited to watch this project grow…. both the flowers and these students. 🌱

Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that sometimes when we think something is empty, You are simply making room for something new to grow. 🙏❤️

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 🌻

08/15/2026

🚨 CLOSING EARLY TODAY 🚨

Unfortunately, Race Car Diner will be closed for the remainder of the day due to unexpected mechanical difficulties. 🔧

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. ❤️

We hope to have everything fixed and be back up and running Monday morning! 🍳☕️

Thank you for supporting our little family diner! 🏁❤️
— Race Car Diner

07/24/2026

Today we said goodbye to a man who wasn’t just a customer…. he was family.

For over 20 years, John Hawkins walked through the doors of Race Car Diner, and every visit made our place a little brighter. John was one of those rare people you never saw angry. He always had a smile, a story, and a heart big enough for everyone around him.

He loved his family with everything he had, and he was so proud of them. He enjoyed fishing, golf cart rides, Wednesday penny poker with his buddies, fried chicken salad with our homemade Thousand Island dressing, meatloaf, peanut butter crackers, and supporting local businesses. He was an incredible A/C mechanic, a loyal friend, and simply one of a kind.

Today, some of his poker buddies stopped by the diner and brought me a funeral program. It meant more than they know. I wanted so badly to be there, but I know John would have given me a hard time for closing the diner. He always let me know he didn’t like it when we closed, so today I smiled knowing he’d probably say, “Get those doors open!”

John, I loved you like a father figure, and I’ll miss our conversations more than words can express. Race Car Diner won’t be quite the same without you walking through that door.

Please keep John’s family and friends in your prayers as they walk through the difficult days ahead. While our hearts are broken, we hold tightly to God’s promise that for those who believe in Christ, this goodbye is only temporary.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4

John, we’ll always save you a seat at the diner, and one day, by God’s grace, you’ll save us one at the greatest table of all. Until we meet again, thank you for 20 years of friendship, laughter, loyalty, and love.

You will always have a place in our hearts.

Rest easy, our friend. ❤️🙏

06/03/2026

05/23/2026

As Memorial Day weekend begins, our family at Race Car Diner will be closing for the weekend to spend time with loved ones and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom 🇺🇸❤️

We are so thankful for every customer who supports our small family-owned diner. Your kindness, conversations, and support mean the world to us.

We’ll see everyone back Tuesday morning bright and early for breakfast and lunch! 🍳☕🏁

Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day weekend!
The Race Car Diner Family

05/15/2026

🏁🍔 Help Us Race to the Top! 🍔🏁

Love our burgers at Race Car Diner? ❤️🍔

Please take just one minute to nominate us for Best Burger in the Best of the Best contest! 🏆

Your nomination means the world to our small family-owned diner and helps us continue serving fresh, homemade food to our amazing community.

👉 Nominate Race Car Diner for Best Burger
👉 It only takes a minute!

Thank you for supporting our little diner with big flavor! 🏁🍔❤️

Lake & Sumter Counties, we need your recommendations. 🏆

Who’s the local business you rave about to everyone?
🍔 Best burger
🛍️ Best boutique
🍺 Best happy hour spot
🔧 Most trusted plumber
…and everything in between.

Style Magazine’s Best of the Best 2026 nominations are now live, and we’re counting on YOU to help recognize the businesses that make this community shine.

It only takes a few minutes ➡️ https://vist.ly/425qt
Nominations close May 25 - then it's time to vote for your favorites!

Drop your favorite local business in the comments! 👇

05/01/2026

🔥 IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN! 🔥

The Best of the Best 2026 is here and we need YOUR support! 🙌

If we’ve ever served you a sweet treat or a great meal, help us bring home the win this year:

🍦 Vote Cool Time Ice Cream Truck for Best Dessert
🍔 Vote Race Car Diner for Best Burger

Your votes mean everything to our family-owned businesses ❤️ We’ve worked hard to serve this community, and this is where YOU make the difference!

👉 Please nominate us-
👉 Tag your friends, family, and coworkers to help spread the word!

Let’s show everyone what Lake County is made of 💪

2026 Best of the Best Nominations Here's your chance to recognize the people, places and businesses that make Lake and Sumter Counties the best place t ...

04/15/2026

🔥 SUPPORT LOCAL. BUILD TOGETHER. WIN TOGETHER. 🔥

At Race Car Diner 🏁🍔 & Knights Air ❄️, we believe in something bigger than just business…

👉 When local businesses support each other, the whole community wins.

From grabbing a bite after a long day to staying cool in this Florida heat — we’re here to serve YOU while also lifting up other hardworking businesses around us.

💡 It’s more than food.
💡 It’s more than service.
👉 It’s community, connection, and commitment.

We love partnering with other local businesses, events, schools, and families — because together, we go further. 🤝

📲 Tag a local business you support below
👇 Let’s show them some love!

🏁❄️💪

04/05/2026

✝️🌅 Happy Easter from Race Car Diner 🌅✝️

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ…
a powerful reminder that hope is never lost, love never fails, and new beginnings are always possible.

We’re beyond grateful for our community, our customers, and the many blessings God has poured into this little diner we call family. ❤️

From our table to yours, we pray your day is filled with peace, joy, and time with the ones you love most.

He is Risen!