From the Griddle to the Grill: A Look Back at Marianna’s Iconic Restaurants
By Shelia Mader
Long before chain restaurants dotted every corner, Marianna was home to a beloved lineup of locally owned eateries—each with its own flavor, following, and unforgettable menu items. While the signs may have come down and the doors long since closed, the names Kingry’s, Tony’s, The Caravan, Majaflo’s, and Uncle Henry’s still evoke fond memories for longtime Jackson County residents. These restaurants weren’t just places to eat; they were community landmarks.
Kingry’s Restaurant: The Go-To for Homestyle Southern Fare
Located on Lafayette Street, Kingry’s was known for serving hearty, Southern-style meals that tasted like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Fried chicken, meatloaf, and country-fried steak were staples of the daily plate lunches, which came with sides like collard greens, black-eyed peas, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. The breakfast crowd was just as loyal, with Kingry’s famous homemade biscuits, sausage gravy, and grits served hot every morning. Regulars still talk about their banana pudding and sweet tea that never seemed to run dry.
Dogs n Suds Drive-In: Burgers, Shakes, and Cruise-In Culture
If you grew up in Marianna during the 1960s and 70s, the Dogs n Suds was the place to be on a Friday night. A classic drive-in located near downtown, Dogs n Sugs served up juicy hamburgers wrapped in wax paper, crispy crinkle-cut fries, and hand-spun milkshakes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Teenagers would circle the lot in their cars or park and socialize while waitresses delivered food on trays that hooked to car windows. The double cheeseburger and chili dog were among the most ordered items, and the milkshakes were a treat no one forgot.
The Caravan: A Touch of this and that
A bit more varied for its time, The Caravan offered a dining experience that was both unique and refined. Known for its booth settings and attentive staff, it was a favorite for Friday and Saturday nights with the teenagers and for the adult crowd for breakfast and lunch throughout the week. The menu featured fried shrimp, fried catfish, a ribeye all on their nighttime menu that also included their famous cheeseburgers. For lunch, they offered what is now known memorably as a Blue Plate special that included some of the best homecooked vegetables, roast, fried chicken, pork chops and the list goes on. Dessert often meant a rich slice of chocolate cake, any variety of pies or banana puddin.
Tony’s Italian Restaurant
For years, Tony’s Italian Restaurant stood as a beloved landmark on Highway 90 in Marianna, Florida, drawing in families, travelers, and locals alike with the rich aromas of homemade Italian fare. Known for its warm hospitality and authentic dishes, Tony’s became famous across Jackson County for its mouthwatering lasagna, tender veal parmesan, and classic spaghetti and meatballs, each served with a generous helping of old-world flavor.
The restaurant was originally opened by the Primavera’s and they operated it for years before George and Virginia Riley purchased it and later their son, Rick kept the Tony’s ‘tradition’ alive. Though the restaurant has long since closed its doors, the legacy of Tony’s lives on through the family’s cherished spaghetti sauce recipe.
Today, the granddaughter of George Riley occasionally brings a taste of the past to present-day Jackson Countians by selling jars of the iconic sauce, giving longtime fans a nostalgic flavor of the restaurant they once loved, and introducing a new generation to the taste of Tony’s.
Uncle Henry’s: A Hidden Gem Just Beyond County Lines
Though technically outside of Jackson County, Uncle Henry’s had a loyal Marianna following willing to make the drive. Tucked away in the countryside, Uncle Henry’s was renowned for its down-home buffet and smoked meats. Barbecue ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken drew crowds, especially on weekends. Their hushpuppies were often described as “the best in the Panhandle,” and the cobbler, whether peach or blackberry—was a can’t-miss ending to any meal.
Though these restaurants are now part of Marianna’s rich culinary history, the memories they created—birthday dinners, family gatherings, after-church lunches, and late-night teenage hangs—remain strong in the hearts of many. Today’s dining scene may be different, but the legacy of Kingry’s, Dogs n Suds, The Caravan, and Uncle Henry’s lives on in the stories still shared around tables across Jackson County. I’ve only touched the surface so stay tuned for more to come – when it’ll come is another question.
If you ever find yourself craving a plate of old-fashioned meatloaf or a frosty shake delivered to your car window, just ask a longtime local. Chances are, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.
Got a memory or a menu item you remember from one of these classics? We’d love to hear it, email us at editor@jacksoncountytimes.news . Every effort was made to locate pictures of all restaurants featured, but some were not found. We will continue to search for them.