Big Daddy Burgers is Jacque and Ryan Easterling’s first attempt at running a restaurant, but the couple thinks they have the experience—and the menu—to establish a lasting business in Chilton County.

The restaurant opened in November at 310 Sixth St. S. (behind the Associated Foods shopping center).

Ryan Easterling said business has been “great” so far.

“It has surprised us,” he said. “We thought that it would start out slow until we got it built up.”

The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Dec. 18, leading to a record day, Easterling said.

“Hopefully, we’ll continue having those days,” he said.

Appetizers/sides include fresh cut fries, potato salad, baked beans, homemade onion rings, macaroni and cheese, and fried green tomatoes when in season.

Burger options include the classic, bacon burger, onion burger, mushroom and Swiss, jalapeno and cheddar, and the “Big Daddy,” which is a double beef patty and double bacon.

“It’s a man’s burger,” Easterling said. “It’s two half-pound patties of meat. We’re trying to keep the cost for the community down, so you can get this plus fries for just $8.99.”

The other burgers, which come with a side, cost $6.99.

Burger toppings include lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, sweet heat pickles, chopped onions, grilled onions, fried onions, grilled mushrooms, pickled jalapenos, chili and several different varieties of cheeses.

Easterling said everything served at Big Daddy Burgers is fresh and never frozen.

“Nothing goes in our freezer other than ice,” he said.

Other sandwiches on the menu include the meatball sub, club sandwich, fried shrimp po-boy and fried catfish po-boy.

Seafood is purchased fresh from B’s Market in Clanton.

Chef salads and grilled or fried chicken salads are available for those seeking lighter fare.

The kids menu includes hamburgers, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and homemade meatballs with sauce.

Homemade cakes and pies are also available.

Big Daddy Burgers can be reached at 755-4100.

Business hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week except for Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Easterling said his wife, who worked at Kountry Kitchen for more than 10 years, wanted to open her own restaurant.

“She’s been wanting to do this for as long as I remember,” he said. “Her and my sister, Renee Underwood, have taken the reins. They’re really the backbone of the restaurant here.”

Ryan Easterling thanked the community for its support.

“We can’t say enough about Clanton,” he said. “We’re from Clanton. We know a lot of people in the community, and they’ve really been supportive.”

Visit Big Daddy Burgers’ Facebook page for a full menu and more information.