Crowing About a New Elk River Business

In case you haven’t heard, there is a new restaurant in Clendenin! The Red Rooster Cafe opened its doors for a soft launch on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 which also featured their famous Taco Tuesday Special (tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas). Their official grand opening will be in February. Owners and sisters Jo Barten and Terry Thomas moved here from the Okeechobee area of Florida, and they are excited to officially be open to serve the Elk River community.

The Red Rooster Cafe is located on 9 Second Avenue in Clendenin (behind the Speedway on Elk River Road) and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their dining room hours are 7 AM to 3 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and 7 AM to 7 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They are closed on Mondays. They offer carry-out (pick up at the drive through window or inside) and dine-in options (adhering to COVID guidelines).

The DRIVE-THRU WINDOW opens at 6AM Tuesday-Sunday and it offers a limited menu for breakfast and lunch. Customers can call ahead to 304.548.6499, however, and order any menu item for pick up.

“Good ole country style cookin’ is our specialty,” said Jo. The breakfast menu ranges from breakfast platters with eggs just the way you like them, omelets, pancakes, waffles, french toast, biscuits, gravy plates, and delicious sides.

Lunch includes hot dogs, burgers, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. There are also basket combos featuring your choice of fried clams, chicken tenders, all-beef hot dogs, smoked sausage/sauerkraut, and 4-piece and 10-piece wings. Also, don’t forget to check out their Tuesday through Friday Lunch Specials.

Even our country-fried steak is homemade,” said Jo. She added, “When you order a chicken biscuit here you will have a true chicken breast, not a pre-made patty.” Jo does the cooking and makes sure all of their food meets their standard of ‘good ole country style cookin.’

Jo and Terry are both retired. Jo had a career for more than 20 years in law enforcement and Terry worked in the Florida State Prison system. Jo said, “We have been visiting here for 16 years. My daughter and granddaughter live in Youngs Bottom. We knew we wanted to open a restaurant somewhere. We looked in South Carolina, but we decided to come here. We love the people and the Elk River community!” She also added that George and Jim Smith have been a blessing to help them get their restaurant up and going. Jo said, “We are excited to finally be open to serve our customers. Our goal is to make sure everyone leaves with a full belly!”

For all carry-out and Chicken To-Go orders, call 304.548.6499 to place your order and then pick it up at the Drive Thru window or inside in the dining room.

The wonderful staff at The Red Rooster are Jo Barton and Terry Thomas (owners), Ciara Craft, Amana Cool, Brenda Spencer, Kyle Hill, Dustin Richard, and Lexi White. They all welcome you to stop by and meet them and try the delicious food at The Red Rooster!