The owner of the classic Dallas-based diner, Norma’s Cafe, Edward “Ed” L. Murph III, died on Feb. 23, the company says. He was 78.
“The Norma’s Cafe Family (team) is saddened by the loss of our leader, mentor and friend, Ed Murph. He was as dynamic in our company as he was in the North Texas community,” said Kurt Metzger, Norma’s Cafe vice president of operations. “We honor Ed’s legacy and we will continue to serve our DFW guests with appreciation and gratitude, keeping Ed in our hearts each and every day.”
Norma’s Cafe was established in 1956 and has seven locations across Oak Cliff, Trinity Mills, Frisco, Park Lane, Garland, Fairview & Plano.
Growing up in Oak Cliff, Murph used to eat at Norma’s Cafe. He loved it so much that he bought the place from Norma herself more than 30 years ago.
He’s the only child of Edward L. and Ruth Murph. His career path included stops as a Coke driver, a painter and a sales representative for a communications equipment company, according to our partners at The Dallas Morning News.
“We make more than great comfort food; we make great friends and memories,” Murph said, according to the Norma’s Cafe website.
Norma’s Cafe is celebrating 70 years of operations in 2026.