Southern Comfort Comes to Zephyrhills: Alberta Jones’ Soul Food Haven
In a cozy spot in Zephyrhills, Alberta Jones is set to unveil a restaurant that promises to become a cherished gathering place for the community. Alongside her daughters, Jessica and another daughter, Effie Mae’s Kitchen is bringing Southern soul food to an area bustling with culinary potential but lacking this beloved cuisine.
“I’ve always loved to cook,” Alberta reflects, recalling her childhood days standing on a stool in the kitchen, eagerly washing dishes and learning from her mother. “Cooking is in my blood.” Her upbringing in Dade City was filled with the aromas of her mother’s cooking—jelly cakes, meringue pies, and other nostalgic treats that inspired her own culinary journey.
Alberta nurtured this passion throughout her life, even working for over 32 years at the courthouse in Dade City before retiring at 52 to pursue her dream of opening a restaurant. After relocating to Texas for nearly 13 years, the urge to create a dining space where families could come together brought her back to Florida. “I wanted to start a business, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it,” she admits.
After exploring various avenues, including a food truck that didn’t pan out, Alberta and Jessica decided to look for the perfect location for a restaurant. “We went through Dade City, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, and parts of Tampa,” she remembers. Their search led them to a quaint space that was once home to a sandwich shop, with the perfect layout for their vision. “The owner was insistent on renting it out only to a restaurant,” Alberta shares with excitement.
Now, as the Effie Mae’s Kitchen grand opening approaches, they are finalizing their Southern SoulFood menu. With a focus on breakfast, lunch, and dinner, patrons can expect hearty classics crafted from recipes that blend Alberta’s childhood memories with her own culinary flair. “My mom’s cooking didn’t use a lot of spices, but I add my twist to everything,” she notes, highlighting her commitment to authentic, homemade dishes.
In addition to delicious food, Alberta plans to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like part of the family. “Cooking is all about love,” she emphasizes, recalling her mother’s early mornings in the kitchen, preparing breakfast before the day began. “I want people to feel that love when they eat here.”
Currently, the restaurant will be open for takeout, with seating arrangements on the way for those who prefer to dine in. Alberta is hopeful about the future, possibly even offering delivery services as the business grows. “People are eager to know when we’ll open,” she smiles, filled with anticipation.
As Alberta Jones embarks on this new chapter, her dedication to soul food promises to enrich the culinary landscape of Zephyrhills. Be prepared to indulge in comforting dishes that not only nourish the body but also celebrate the heritage and values of Southern cooking. Keep your eyes and appetites ready for the upcoming opening—this is a taste of community and tradition you won’t want to miss!Effie Mae’s Kitchen is located at 4821 Allen Road, Zephyrhills 33541, phone (813) 602-8030.
