For the past three years, Dave Monceaux and his wife Kim have owned Kountry Kitchen and made a lot of new friends in the process.

According to Monceaux, each customer that walks through the door is another opportunity to create a lasting relationship within the community.

“We try to make it a place where the people enjoy gathering,” Monceaux said. “A lot of the customers have become like family to us.”

The Monceauxs first encountered Chilton County when they attended the Peach Festival 25 years ago.

They quickly fell in love with the community atmosphere and made it a tradition to attend each year.

Kim Monceaux decided to further reflect the family’s support for the town by opening Gia’s Boutique in downtown Clanton on Tuesday.

“This is our new home,” Dave Monceaux said.

Monceaux spent 25 years as principal in school systems in Birmingham, Louisiana and Florida, followed by the last 10 years in the restaurant business including time spent in a management position at Cracker Barrel and Applebee’s.

Throughout those experiences Monceaux has learned that they each require a similar approach and mindset, whether it is children or hungry customers.

“It’s all about serving people,” Monceaux said.

The main aspects of the business that makes Monceaux the most proud is the loyalty of the staff and the homemade food that includes hand-cut steaks and meals cooked to order.

“I still cook the way that my mom used to,” Monceaux said. “It’s getting harder and harder to get a home cooked meal.”

According to Monceaux, Fishing tournaments and church crowds on Sundays are the busiest times for Kountry Kitchen.

A lunch buffet is available each day along with menu items, expect on Sunday when the buffet is the exclusive option.

The buffet varies each day and includes two to three meats, eight vegetables, salad bar and a drink for $8.49.

The restaurant is closed Monday and open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Kountry Kitchen is located at 1759 County Road 28 in Clanton. Call (205) 755-1360 for menu questions or to place an order.

“Friends and families are why we went into the business,” Monceaux said. “Without them, it wouldn’t be the same.”