One Of The Most Incredible Small Businesses In Arizona, The Joy Bus Diner Serves Up Smiles And So Much More
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 21, 2021
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
It is easy to become depressed, discouraged, and lonely when battling a serious health condition such as cancer. You may want a friendly face; someone to brighten your day, and to help relieve some of your daily burdens. That is what the Joy Bus Diner is all about. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the Joy Bus Diner is truly making Phoenix a “tastier, happier place, one meal at a time.”
Welcome to the Joy Bus Diner, a restaurant in Phoenix where your taste buds will begin to water the minute you walk through the front door.
Several years ago, Caraway lost her friend Joy to ovarian cancer. This encouraged Caraway to take action and help individuals in similar situations. She began to make and deliver fresh, home-cooked meals to local cancer patients. Eventually, the Joy Bus grew and she began serving patients all across the Phoenix area.
Today, all of the meals are delivered by volunteers. Many of the volunteers at The Joy Bus are cancer survivors themselves.
To help raise money for the charity, The Joy Bus Diner opened in 2016. Every meal that is purchased goes toward supporting the Joy Bus Meal Delivery Program.
"The success of The Joy Bus Diner would not be possible without the support of our community," explains Megan Norton, Program Director of The Joy Bus.
"Our volunteers and supporters have continually rallied around our mission of serving cancer patients and have helped us to develop our program and diner into something more beautiful than we ever imagined. Success for The Joy Bus Diner means being able to provide a strong and sustainable revenue stream for The Joy Bus so that our meal delivery program for cancer patients is able to continue and grow to meet an increasing need."
“Where else can you order a plate of delicious pancakes or biscuits and gravy and also help to feed your neighbors who are struggling with food insecurity and loneliness during cancer treatment?" Norton says.
"Our food is delicious AND gives back directly to the community we serve."
In fact, not only does The Joy Bus raise money through its diner, but it also hosts several fundraising events throughout the year. Customers can also sponsor a patient meal for $10 when they visit the diner.
The Joy Bus Diner is not only serving healthy and delicious meals to its customers, it's also brightening the Phoenix area and helping those in the community who need hope, happiness, and friendship.
"Serving the community is our entire existence and the core of our mission," Norton explains. "Every breakfast or lunch purchased in The Joy Bus Diner is an opportunity to provide more than a meal to a person who is dealing with some of the most difficult days of their life. It lets them know they are loved and cared for beyond measure by their community."
To learn more about The Joy Bus Diner and charity, to view the menu and current hours, and more, click here or give this restaurant a call at (602) 595-5884. Make sure you follow The Joy Bus Diner on Facebook as well.
Do you have a favorite small business that is helping your community and working hard to make the world a better place? We want to know about them! Nominate the business here and tell us all about it. Also, don’t forget to learn about even more incredible places to visit and things to do in Arizona by following our Only In Arizona Facebook and Instagram pages!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
