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Lunch counters and cafeterias have long provided time-strapped Americans with fast, affordable food. In this episode, restaurateur and author, Robert St. John discusses the evolution of Hattiesburg dining, beginning with three early Hub City eateries and why they were close to the train station. He also recalls the Frost Top, a franchise fixture from the 50s - 70s, all the times he ate there and what made the Frost Top so special.

Throughout the 20th Century, large companies and boarding houses provided plate lunches for hungry workers. St. John describes some of Hattiesburg\u2019s favorite lunchrooms and their \u201cmeat and three\u201d menus. For hungry shoppers, the department store lunch counters provided a ready respite, before eventually being replaced by mall food courts.\xa0 St. John remembers some of Hattiesburg\u2019s department store food fare and hanging out at the Cloverleaf Mall.

PODCAST EXTRA: Jimmy Faughn, an early Hattiesburg restaurateur, operated several eateries including The Collegian, Le Faughn\u2019s, and the Sea Lodge. St. John reflects on Faughn\u2019s reputation as the fine dining patriarch of Hattiesburg.

PHOTO: Coney Island Caf\xe9 in the same location since 1923.