Tom Hanks and Family Stop in West Fargo

August 18, 2012

Hollywood star, Tom Hanks, and his family created some fireworks after coming to eat at T.N.T. Diner in West Fargo.

But it almost didn't happen.

The Fargo Jet Center had called diner owner Tammy Hagensen to see if she would be interested in opening up early for some customers flying in to town.

Tammy Hagensen says, "They said I can't tell you who it is, but it's a family of four arriving in a private jet."

She first said no because the family wasn't expected to arrive until about 4:00 Friday morning. "But then I got to thinking. You got my curiosity. So I called back and said we'll do it," says Hagensen.
 
Only after the flight came in did the Hagensens learn their important guests were Tom Hanks, his wife Rita Wilson and their two sons.
 
"We were excited. That was worth it,” Hagensen says. "I said welcome to North Dakota. We gave them hugs and they hugged us. They had no problems with that.”
 
The family sat fittingly in the movie section. “He was looking for biscuits and gravy. We’re known for our biscuits and gravy, so he had those and two eggs sunny-side up. He had pancakes before that.”

They ate and talked with the Hagensens.
 
"He's like what you see in the movies. I think he is so natural, and he's friendly. That was so nice to see," says Hagensen.

Her husband, Tim, who cooked the meals, agrees. He says they had "no attitude" and were "just relaxing."
Tammy Hagensen says it was like sitting with family. "Well, family you like."
 
Before leaving, the Hagensens snapped a picture of their son with Hanks.

He also signed a couple shirts that the Hagensens have proudly on display as you walk in to the restaurant.

Excuse the pun, but it's proof that life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get at 4:00 in the morning.
 
"It was a fun experience. I'm glad we didn't turn it down."