City commissioners, community leaders and Chamber of Commerce members gathered Friday morning to celebrate the reopening of Early's Kitchen, a landmark on Tallahassee's south side, after a year of closure.
“We can't do it anymore, it's time,” said Jay Morrell, co-owner of Early's Kitchen. His restaurant expansion is part of the revitalization of the South Monroe Street commercial corridor.
The eatery has withstood the test of time, overcoming the unique challenges of being a Black-owned business, and has been open at its location at 1458 S. Monroe St. for more than 44 years.
The restaurant is filled with memories from generations of Florida A&M students, families, and local workers who visited the restaurant for traditional breakfast and lunch service.
Owners Jay and Anita Morrell invited guests to a ribbon cutting on Friday, and a grand opening with a “community breakfast” is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th.
About 50 guests toured the new space, starting with an open patio. Gold and black balloons were lined up in front of the restaurant. The inside retains the atmosphere of a cafeteria, “the same old Earlies,” but with a modern look.
“I'm very proud of today,” said Antonio Jefferson, president of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce in Tallahassee. “This is a great day for our great community.”
The interior is brightened with a crisp coat of white paint and a wood accent wall that expands the space, while a light blue accent wall softens the space. Indoor and outdoor bars are located to the left of the restaurant before people get in line for the cafeteria.
After the prayer, guests gathered in the front row with the Morrells, Community Redevelopment Agency Directors, City Commissioners Curtis Richardson, Diane Williams-Cox, Jack Porter, and members of Leadership Tallahassee Class 41, and the Red A ribbon cutting was held.
Guests were served hearty dishes of classic Southern fare, including fried chicken, brisket, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. They ate in plush black booths that lined the walls and a row of small tables.
The tropical restaurant closed in February last year for interior and exterior renovations. With the help of a grant from the Community Redevelopment Agency, the entire restaurant was renovated, with a new logo (and more).
Starting Monday, April 29, Early's Kitchen will continue to offer its usual selection of traditional soul food style sandwiches, meats and breakfast specialties. A new bar, weekend brunch and dinner service are expected to be introduced within the next month.
The Morrells also operate Early's in Southwood's Revenue Department and Earl's in Parliament House, which includes a lower-level cafeteria and a coffee shop on the 10th floor.
If you go to a community breakfast
- where: 1458 S. Monroe Street
- when: April 27th (Saturday) 10am to noon
Kyla A. Sanford covers food and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com. Have a new restaurant opening, special sale or event coming up? Let us know!
