Blue-plate specials and smiles served up at Walton restaurant

There is a special place nestled on along County Road 81 in Walton County built on a tried and true basic principle – small town community atmosphere.

Red Bay has been in operation off and on since 1936. The store has had 28 different owners over the years, and then after closing in 2008, left the community without a gathering spot. In Feb. 2009, Charles Morgan, a seasoned restaurateur and homeowner in Red Bay, rallied 50 local partners, and brought the country store back to life.

“It was selfish reasons that motivated me,” Charles said. It was out of necessity, as there was no place close by to buy a roll of paper towels, a newspaper, or get a cup of coffee,” he continued.

With a community interest in restoring and bringing back the community spirit, Red Bay Grocery was cleaned up, painted and given new life by the community it serves. The store now has more than 100 shareholders.

When a devastating fire almost burnt down the restaurant in January 2010, the store’s future was uncertain. However, with community effort, the popular restaurant was back on its feet by April and has a new general manager, Dan Chace.

Red Bay’s menu consists of an assortment of breakfast biscuits plates along with “The Swamp Thing” – biscuits with sausage, egg, cheese and pulled pork. Lunches include a blue plate special every day along with traditional barbecue by Curt Guthre. Guthre’s offerings include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, roast beef and fried chicken. Dinner is offered as well with all you can eat specials such as fried shrimp on Thursday, barbecue ribs and pulled pork on Friday, and fried mullet on Saturday.

Interested in having your party catered? Red Bay Grocery can do that too!

Everyday necessities are available at Red Bay along with locally produced canned goods honey, preserves, homemade ice cream, cakes, pies and cookies.

Take a ride over to Red Bay and stop a while… they are doing business the way it is use to be.

Red Bay Grocery is located in the Red Bay community at 8704 State Road 81 in Walton County. ::MAP::

Hours are Sun. – Wed. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. 7 a.m. – 9 pm.

For more information go to redbaygrocery.com