PHOTOS BY BOB EALUM
BY SARAH STEPHENS, ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Yesterday, when we ran the announcement that Jim’s Restaurant of Prattville would be closing after more than 60 years in business, we knew it would touch a lot of people.
Let’s face it, for so many area residents, the restaurant was like a second home, a close as you could get to a trip to Grandma’s kitchen. Some had their own tables, waitresses called out first names when someone walked in the door. It was more than a place to get some fantastic, southern home-cooking. Oh, that fried chicken is going to be missed. And the chicken livers…so, so much.
As of this evening, the article from Wednesday has been viewed 44,452 times, with 572 shares and 120 comments on Facebook alone. Yes, this place made an impact, and it is going to be missed.
“Jim’s had that warm, welcome touch of the deep South,” Art Parker, with the Montgomery Independent said. “Many an election was won and many an election was lost over coffee at Jim’s.”
He isn’t kidding. It was a hub of activity, politics and news of the day for decades.
This afternoon there was a long line to get a seat, but people waited patiently. As one man said, “I have been coming here for 30 years, the least I can do is tell everyone goodbye and thank them for everything they have done for the people and this community.”
There were lots of memories shared. The place was a frequent first date setting, and even newly married couples dined there after their wedding. Many people would stop by there on their way to the races. Early morning breakfasts, meals after football games, and back when it was open 24 hours, a lot of 3 a.m. pancakes.
It was not an easy decision for the owners, but they “just felt it was time.” The recent COVID-19 pandemic just made matters worse. But in the end, it was a quick and final decision. Just a few hours prior to their announcement on Facebook, they were advertising for employees. But when it was done, it was done.
Some of the staff didn’t know until they walked in for work this morning, and it came as quite a shock.
When I was the editor of the Prattville Progress, I often dined at Jim’s back in the early to mid-2000s. It was the place to get the news, the gossip or both. Depending on what official I was meeting, they often did have their own table. A sign wasn’t necessary to mark their spot. The regulars knew that at a certain time the same folks would arrive, and they would claim their seats. Usually, the waitresses already knew what they wanted. A half and half tea, lemon or no lemon, and just how they liked their meals prepared, down to whether or not the food could touch. (Yes, that is a thing.)
Dirty workboots, suits and ties, Sunday dresses…you could see it all. It was the place where the community’s long time residents would bring their grandkids for their first “real” meal in a restaurant.
So, a piece of Prattville history will fade into memory, but Bob Ealum was there to capture some photos of the last day and the huge crowd that gathered one last time. By the time he could sit down to eat, the food was gone.
Thank you Jim’s Restaurant, owners, staff and customers for the memories made over these many years. Those walls, if they could talk, could tell the story much better than we will ever be able.
Below are just a few of our favorite comments posted to the story that ran Wednesday afternoon.
Diana Groover Smith – Sad, had many meals there growing up and as a grownup too, owners were friends, all were friends….good luck!!
Cheryl Mosley Mabe – Loved that place when we lived in Prattville from 89 to 95.
Mark Pierce – My daddy’s brother was Jim.
Pierce Cleckler – Dang hate to hear this I’ve ate there since I was a kid.
Mary Burkholder So sorry to hear that loved Jim’s but you have been here for prattville a long time. Have a blessed retirement. You will be missed.
Mary Foster Nichols – I hate this, Thank You for your many years of service. I remember Dad, Jim, good family.
Cyndi Wilhelm Maupin – So sad, I pray this is a good thing for the owners and that the staff finds good jobs.
Richard Ray – Oh no!! I live too far away to get there in time for one more hamburger steak. Many memories in there. RIP, Jim’s. You did good.
Janey Whitten Sabel – Wishing the Pierce family all good things! The restaurant always gave back to the community for decades. Phyllis Pierce Tampling, enjoy retirement!
Pat Broach Uptagrafft – Oh I hate to read this..it was my late grandparents favorite place in the 80s..this makes me sad.
Debbi Williams We sure will miss Jim’s!
Michael Flaherty – I remember going to Jim’s when it was closer to town on Memorial Drive in the 60’s.
Allen Harris – We use to stop there after the races.
Chris Banks That place will be missed by many folks !
Ashley Simmons – Praying for all of the staff.
Sharon Carlisle – Best onion rings!!!
Patricia Bell – The best chicken livers around.
Gail Nelson Lehmann – We will miss this place.
Judi Harris: I ate there many times with my Daddy over the years growing up.
Lydia Ruth Thomas – This was my sister’s favorite place to eat she loved their chicken and chicken livers and chicken and dressing.
See more photos of Jim’s Last Day below.
