Mirror photos by Walt Frank (Clockwise, from left) Todd Piero, host/correspondent with Fox News, talks with Cpl. Pat Fleming, Pfc. Carl Goodman and Chief Bernard Chatman of Keystone Investigation and Security Specialists Friday at Tom and Joe’s Restaurant.

Viewers across the nation Friday got a glimpse at a well-known local restaurant.

A crew from Fox News was on hand at Tom and Joe’s Restaurant, 1201 13th Ave., to chat with customers as part of the “Fox & Friends” morning program.

“Fox & Friends” has been visiting diners, both leading up to the election and almost every week, since Inauguration Day, said Gavin Hadden, program executive director.

“It is important for us to talk to the American people and get out of the bubble of Washington, D.C., and New York City to really get the pulse of the people. We want to know what the American people care about and what affects their daily lives, what do they talk about at the breakfast table,” Hadden said. “We have been crisscrossing the nation, and today we were back in Pennsylvania, the all-important battleground state. We chose Altoona, and a county that went handedly for President Donald Trump, to see how they feel about his job performance after nine months in office.”

Restaurant owner George Batrus said he was contacted by Fox News earlier this week.

“They contacted us two days ago out of the blue and wanted to come to an area restaurant. She (Samantha Honig, field producer) said we had the most reviews of anyone in a small town that this was the place to come to,” Batrus said.

Batrus said he was honored to have Tom and Joe’s featured on the show.

“I love that show. I watch it all the time. I was honored and took it as a major compliment. I am happy to have them here; it is cool. I feel that it is a nice honor and is national recognition. My brother (Mike) out in Denver can watch it. This is cool,” Batrus said.

Lori Pellegrine of Altoona was among those interviewed by Fox News.

“I think it is very exciting, very cool for little Altoona, Pa.,” Pellegrine said.

“This is great publicity for Tom and Joe’s and the city,” said Mayor Matt Pacifico, who also was on hand.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.