Tin Cup evolving while staying true to its roots

The Tin Cup in Shafter recently unveiled its new menu, with the addition of a few new items, keeping up with trends, while staying true to its roots that made them one of the go-to places in town.

The eatery is offering a variety of wraps, along with a few new drink options, with a handful of refreshers now on the menu. With the summer heat, these "refreshing" options hit the spot.

Over the last few years,, the Tin Cup has added acai bowls, with its super oxidant qualities, giving the local diners new choices for their diets.

Led by Manager Shakira Willis, the staff at Tin Cup, while keeping up with the trends that are in vogue, have managed to stay true to the qualities that have made them a mainstay for so many in town.

Among them are diners Briana Ritchie, Kristina Holtermann and Wendy Russell, who were having lunch recently in the eatery. "I am here today because my daughter is in the Children's Summer Theater production of Seussical. But, I have been coming here for years with my kids."

Ritchie said that she loves the atmosphere of the place and her kids love the tractor out front.

With Ritchie, Holtermann said that she loves the food, as well as the friendly staff and other people that frequent the restaurant.

"With the great uplifting music playing, it is a great place to meet with friends and have a good time."

Manager Willis hopes that the name Tin Cup still brings to mind sitting by a campfire, with a warm cup of coffee in a tin cup in hand. So, with the progress that the business has made to conform to the current needs of diners, it still stays true to the qualities that helped them catch Shafter's attention in the first place.

The decor is reminiscent of that image of a great western scene, with its wagon wheels, farm equipment, salads served in big tin dishes, and sandwiches served in an old-fashioned basket.

In addition to continuing to grow their business, they also are helping local residents realize their own dreams, with local vendors with wares on their shelves, such as the nuts that are used in a lot of their salads, produced by "The Almond Girl," Jenny Holtermann, whose family are local farmers.

The Tin Cup also sells locally produced honey, baked goods and other items grown and made by locals who are giving the eatery a truly "home-grown" experience, such as the fresh flowers available for sale by a local grower.

The Tin Cup, 1101 E. Lerdo Highway, is open Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.