Little Matt's Restaurant on a mission to help childhood cancer patients

FOX 26 Houston -     The best city to live in America happens to be the Houston suburb, West University Place. 24/7 Wall Street has named it the top city. Friendly, family-owned businesses, like Little Matt's, make it an obvious choice. The intimate restaurant sits in the heart of West University Place. It's known as a fun, friendly restaurant with lots of heart.  They even greet dogs with special treats at their "dog bar"!  "I love it!  It's so family oriented to have the patio and water for your dog and bones - it's just an awesome family place.  They have all sorts of yummy candy, and Icees that you never get, it's very relaxed, you don't have to feel fu-fu to come in here, awesome awesome place.  I love it that they have 'fall in love with food', because food is my friend", laughs customer Sonia Howe. 
    Owner and operator Jim Reid was on quite a mission when he opened this restaurant ten years ago. "The main focus was to give back to Texas Children's Cancer Center to families dealing with childhood cancer.  One thing I noticed the most was families from out of town who had to leave family support systems, financial support behind, came in not knowing what to do.  It affects you financially and emotionally every day.  A case worker told us 75% of couples would get divorced and there's a 70% non-rev and I wanted to find a way to bridge that gap," explains Reid. His son has battled childhood leukemia off and on throughout his life, so their family learned first-hand how sickness affects an entire family.  That's why he created this safe haven for families.  "The place was designed as a church in a way that we give back and feel everyone who comes in our doors is as important as anyone else, the brick was taken off of a church, we have a wish wall as you enter the restaurant to help childhood cancer," says Reid.  
    He encourages little ones to have fun playing games and is often seen handing-out quarters so they can play for free.  There's also an iPad wall, dedicated to children, just having fun. He offers this, so parents can connect while enjoying a meal together. Patrons love it! "The kids have such a great time and it's a great menu, too!  It connects our family and is like stepping back in time," says Lauren Harris.  Then, her children raced off to check out the bar full of candy and ice cream.     
    "It's so convenient for people who live close to walk over here and they really cater to the kids here. The service is excellent and you can't beat places like this!  We come here, know he (their son) can be entertained, and we can have a conversation while he's playing.  He's entertained with the candy right now," laugh Reid Habinski and his wife. Couples also appreciate the fact they can each get two free alcoholic drinks each, with every meal.  
    The owner of Little Matt's isn't the least bit surprised that the neighborhood that houses his restaurant sits at the top.  "It is the most unique community I have ever been around in my life.  The number one reason is people here give back.  Every generation that has gone before has tried to make the community better by giving back," says Reid.  He's certainly living up to that!  Proceeds from this restaurant are helping financially support 750 childhood cancer patients per month, children from 43 states and 4 countries.  Many of their wishes, along the wish wall, have been fulfilled through the faith, love, and hope they receive here. 
    Here's more info about Little Matt's:  https://www.facebook.com/littlematts/
    The top 50 cities in America report:   https://247wallst.com/special-report/2018/10/19/americas-50-best-cities-to-live-6/11/