Anna Catherine Cardwell was an energetic, people-loving, unique individual, according to her mother, Paula Cardwell. When Anna was killed at age 20 in 2012, Cardwell wanted to find a way to give back to the community and honor her daughter.
Anna’s Place Restaurant in Slapout morphed into the perfect solution, since Anna loved to eat, and its doors opened just a few weeks ago.
Anna was working at “The Boy’s Store” (Piggly Wiggly) and attending Southern Union Community College when a friend’s boyfriend took her life.
“Anna loved this community, and the community loved her. She would have loved this place,” said Cardwell, who also manages the local pharmacy and tanning salon.
Originally a daycare, the house at 10380 Holtville Rd. had to be renovated and painted to suit the needs of a dining establishment and reflect the essence of Anna, said Cardwell.
Three separate dining rooms create an intimate atmosphere, and each one is named for one of Anna’s animals. Different themes adorn each room and eclectic sets of tables and chairs occupy the dining space. The front porch has three tables as well for al fresco dining.
“I really wanted all the rooms to be different, and I like decorating. There are multiple names for each room too, depending on what’s on the walls,” said Cardwell.
There is a choice of a room with a TV and one without to accommodate guests’ needs. All of the dishware, silverware and glasses are mix-and-match, which was an intentional decision.
Since Anna was a part of the community, Cardwell wanted to include photos of her, including Cardwell’s favorite, which is Anna’s senior portrait with her horse. Other photos represent the obvious admiration Anna had for her other pets, along with portraying a welcoming smile.
“It started out with a few touches of Anna, but then I went overboard. Angels and horses are a large theme,” said Cardwell.
Cardwell’s son also did most of the woodwork, including everything in the pallet room.
Cardwell said she has always been fascinated with restaurants. She also recruited the assistance of Gloria Calloway who has more than 40 years of experience in every possible restaurant position.
“We will know most of the people coming in here to eat, and I want them to feel comfortable and at home when they’re here,” said Calloway.
Open only for breakfast and lunch right now, seven days a week, the food will be all home-cooked, Southern-style menu options. The meat-and-three styled meals will change daily and include specialty hand-built burgers – such as the Bulldog Burger and Diamond Doll, – sandwiches, catfish plates and more.
Some staples that will be available regularly include omelets, biscuits, hamburger steak, club sandwich and more.
Breakfast will run from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Lunch hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. Breakfast will not be served on Sundays until the pair gets more comfortable with large crowds.
“There is an emphasis on the home cooking. It will all be from scratch,” said Calloway who will help with some of the cooking.
Since Slapout is an inclusive community, many diners will be regulars and well known by Cardwell.
“People wanted something different, and they really wanted a breakfast place. For me this was all about giving back to the community who has been so kind to us,” Cardwell added.
“I think it’s going to be a huge hit. We have a lot of people already showing interest. We are scared and excited at the same time,” said Calloway.
For more information, call 334-543-4331; visit the Anna’s Place Facebook page or its website restaurantji.com/al/deatsville/annas-place-/.
