The Miller Family of Café Jocelynn’s
Hungry? Would a Club Sandwich hit the spot – or maybe you’d like something a little more exotic, like blackened chicken breast with pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, Tabasco, and ranch dressing served on a jalapeno sourdough bun? You can choose from more than 20 sandwiches, plus pitas and hot dogs at Café Jocelynn’s in Port O’Connor.
Truly a “mom and pop” business, Café Joycelynn’s is owned and operated by John and Lidia Miller, who established their business with the encouragement of Port O’Connor resident Major Howell and his wife Diane, and part-time resident Johnny Holland.
Chef John Miller has been cooking since he was 15 years old. He began by making “blooming onions” at Outback Steakhouse, and helped in the opening of three of that chain’s locations. He has worked with several notable chefs at a number of restaurants including TGI Friday’s and the Landry’s Corporation. Before moving to our area, John was the chef at Brio Tuscan Grille in The Woodlands.
“Lidia does what I don’t, or can’t, do,” John said. Having worked for the largest catering company in the Houston area, Lidia has the knowledge needed to carry out the other part of their business –catering. They cater all types of parties, both large and small, including meals for businesses and individual families. “We cook anything – anywhere,” said John. Both are experienced in all types of cuisines, but Lidia’s specialty is authentic Mexican cuisine. She also makes cakes, pastries and cookies for all occasions.
Lidia’s artistic talent can be seen in the signs around Café Joycelynn’s and her green thumb is displayed in all the lovely plants on the porch of the restaurant.
The restaurant is named for their daughter, a fourth grader at Port O’Connor School. “We love the school here – the teachers and the students. Jocelynn has excelled here,” said John. When not in school, Jocelynn loves to help out at the restaurant, doing anything and everything her parents will let her.
“We enjoy meeting and serving the tourists,” John said, “but local support is critical. The people who live here brought us here, and locals telling others about our good food, bring others in. We are steadily becoming more involved in the community and want to continue serving it to the best of our ability.”
So, if you’re hungry for a sandwich, have a party coming up, want a special meal for your family or friends, or have freshly caught fish you want grilled in any of several delicious ways, stop by Café Jocelynn’s or give them a call at 361-746-1513.
Café Jocelynn’s is located on Highway 185 just past Bob’s Bar. Their hours are: Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
