HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – A soul food restaurant in the Rocket City is approaching a milestone of three decades in business.
Maurice Russell and his wife, Greta, opened G’s Country Kitchen — named after Greta — 30 years ago this April. The restaurant has operated continuously since, drawing repeat customers and building a loyal following in Huntsville.
Russell told WAFF 48 his approach to customer service has been central to the restaurant’s longevity.
“It’s very important to me to go around and make sure people are good to go,” Russell said. “A lot of these people that we’ve been serving for a long time, when they were bringing their kids in when they were babies, now they’re grown up so they returned.
“When you treat people right, you don’t have to advertise. Your customers will advertise for you, and that’s what you see a lot of times with the repeat customers we have here.”
Russell also reflected on changes he has witnessed as a Black business owner since opening the restaurant.
“The things we weren’t allowed to do back then has opened the door for us to be more proud of where we come from and the things that we do,” Russell said. “And then to see the diverse crowd we have, man. Things are changing.”
Customer Truelove Sandiver says she has returned to G’s Country Kitchen for more than 20 years.
“Maurice is always so personable and all of his staff. It seems like a family environment,” Sandiver said. “And they treat you like their family when you walk in.”
Several staff members are Russell’s family relatives. His daughter works the cash register, and his grandson is a cook.
Russell said the plan is to pass the restaurant to them to continue its presence in Huntsville.
“It says that black people are here,” Sandiver said. “Black people are going to be around, that black people are profitable, and that they love being in their community.”
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