Debra Bass named her Clanton restaurant in honor of the city’s namesake—and veterans and soldiers around the world.

The Brigadier Cafe is located at 217 Seventh St. N., at the site of the former Grand Ole Cafe.

Bass, the business’ owner and manager, opened the restaurant in December 2013.

She said the name comes from Brigadier General James Holt Clanton, the American soldier and Confederate general = the city was named for.

A brief history of Chilton County, Clanton the city and Clanton the man can be found on the back of the restaurant’s menus.

But Bass said she also wanted the restaurant to have a military theme in honor of veterans and soldiers.

A wall in the restaurant has been dubbed the “Veterans Wall of Honor.” Bass hopes customers will bring framed pictures of their friends and relatives who have served or are serving their country.

“I want the military people to know we appreciate them,” Bass said. “My son is in the Army and has been deployed many times. I think people forget what these people are doing.”

So far, a few pictures hang on the wall, including one of Bass’ son, Keith Sherrill.

Bass came to Chilton County in 1990 to help open the Clanton Shoney’s restaurant. She was working at the Prattville Shoney’s at the time.

She got out of the restaurant business for 20 years before deciding to return.

“It’s hard because it’s seven days a week,” Bass said and added that she hopes to grow the restaurant’s customer base to the point where she can hire new employees to allow her some time off.

She credits the people of Chilton County for making her feel at home and helping to make the business successful.

“I love the people here,” said Bass, who lives in the Verbena area. “There are some very, very loyal people.”

The Brigadier Cafe offers breakfast every morning starting at 6 a.m. Beginning at 11 a.m., customers can enjoy a lunch buffet, which Bass said is a favorite.

“They tell me, ‘It’s like my mother used to cook,'” she said.

There’s also a full menu of selections available. Bass said the ham and cheese omelet is popular during breakfast hours.

To see a daily buffet menu, “like” Brigadier Cafe on Facebook.

Bass and her staff have worked to renovate the restaurant since December 2013. In addition to several changes on the inside of the restaurant, the outside has undergone some upgrades, also.

A fresh coat of paint was applied to the front of the building over the weekend, but Bass said plans call for more work to the exterior, including the restaurant’s name painted across the front and a large American flag.

“I’ve got big hopes,” Bass said. “I’m here to stay.”