Earley's Kitchen, Tallahassee soul-food jewel on South Monroe, reopens after renovations
City commissioners, community leaders and chamber of commerce members gathered Friday morning to celebrate the reopening of Tallahassee south side landmark Earley's Kitchen after a one-year closure.
"Doggone it, it's time," Earley's Kitchen co-owner Jay Morrell said. His restaurant's expansion is part of the revitalization of the South Monroe Street commercial corridor.
The eatery stood the test of time, conquering the often-uphill battle unique to Black-owned businesses – operating for more than 44 years out of its location at 1458 S. Monroe St.
The restaurant holds memories of generations of Florida A&M students, families and local workers who have visited the restaurant for its classic breakfast and lunch services.
Owners Jay and Anita Morrell invited guests to a ribbon cutting Friday, with a "community breakfast" grand opening to follow on Saturday, April 27.
Around 50 guests saw the new space, starting on the open patio. Gold and black balloons lined the front of the restaurant. The inside keeps its cafeteria feel, making it the "same old Earley's" but with a modernized look.
"We're so proud of today," said Antonio Jefferson, president of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce in Tallahassee. "Today is a wonderful day in our great, great community."
The interior is brightened with a fresh coat of white paint and wooden accent walls that open the space, while light blue accent walls help to soften it. The indoor and outdoor bar sits to the left of the restaurant before people reach the cafeteria line.
After a prayer, guests gathered in the front to join the Morrells, Community Redevelopment Agency board members and City Commissioners Curtis Richardson, Dianne Williams-Cox and Jack Porter, along with Leadership Tallahassee Class 41 members, to cut the red ribbon.
Guests were fed hearty plates of classic southern fare: fried chicken, brisket, mashed potatoes and greens. They dined in the black plush booths that line the walls and petite tables that sit in a row.
The southern-style restaurant closed February of last year to complete renovations to both its interior and exterior. The entire restaurant got a facelift with a new logo change (and more) with the help of a grant from the Community Redevelopment Agency.
The community welcomed Earley's back at a community breakfast Saturday that drew the Marching 100 to provide the soundtrack for the meal.
Earley's Kitchen will continue serving its usual classic soul-food-style sandwiches, meats and breakfast specialties starting Monday, April 29. The new bar, weekend brunch and dinner services will be introduced within the next month.
The Morrells also operate Earley’s at the Department of Revenue in Southwood and Earley's at the Capitol, which includes the lower-level cafeteria and 10th floor coffee shop.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know!
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee's Earley's Kitchen reopens after year-long closure
