http://www.wbir.com/news/article/190505/2/Wrights-Cafeteria-becomes-campaign-stop

One local restaurant has become a hot-spot for political activity over the years with regular visits from sheriffs, senators, mayors and even governors.

However, Election Day at Wright's Cafeteria is more than just another business lunch. It's a genuine campaign stop for political hopefuls.

"We usually end up on Election Day having a pretty good crowd," said owner David Wright.

It's home cooking with a side of politics. Wright's Cafeteria is a place where sweet tea and sweet talk are always flowing.

"You can hear anything you want to or don't want to," said Knoxville mayoral candidate Mark Padgett.

It's been a frequent lunch spot for many East Tennesseans, including local lawmakers and politicians for years. However, on Election Day, candidates spend more time greeting than eating.

"We've all been coming here for many, many years," said Tennessee Senate District 6 candidate Becky Duncan Massey.

"It's always packed," Padgett said. "The people who come here seem like they're always in the know about what's going on in politics."

"You come here and you shake hands and people tell you what they think is happening. It's kind of a ritual and it's a lot of fun," Padgett added.

"We ate here on the primary and we're here again. It's kind of our good luck spot," Massey said.

Wright said he never really intended for his cafeteria to become an Election Day campaign stop, but he doesn't mind at all.

"It's a pretty partisan crowd," Wright said. "They get along. We haven't had any trouble yet."

"We like for them to come in, shake hands and talk to people. They may not be voting for them, but they get to see them and ask them questions. They may not get to speak with them at any of the other gatherings," Wright said.

And for Wright's regulars, it comes with the territory.

"It's a nice place with good food and everybody from different political parties come here and mingle," said customer Herb Gengler.

"Today just happens to be Election Day, so we're talking politics today," Wright said. "Tomorrow, we'll go back to football."

Wright says the cafeteria really started attracting area politicians after he himself ran for office years ago.