Progress: Manning Restaurant

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Manning Restaurant was originally a gas station back in the 1950s.

Nowadays folks fill up in a different way.

"It's just good 'ol downhome cooking," said Brandi Wheeler, who took over the Clarendon County fixture in 2009 with her husband Mike. "People love the daily lunch buffet and people love the chicken."

A native of Maggie Valley, N.C., Wheeler's father Kenneth Morris moved the family to Alcolu when she was three because of his job with Georgia Pacific.

As a small child, she can remember playing and riding her bike around the restaurant, and always felt drawn to it.

"This is what I always wanted," she said.

It just took a little while for her to realize her dream.

Her best friend's mother, Brenda Lee, was her mentor in the culinary world, teaching her all about catering and cooking.

"She taught me everything I know," Wheeler said. "She was wonderful."

It was during a 20-year career as a paralegal that the Central Carolina Technical College graduate felt the pull of the kitchen, working part-time for Lee's business, Catering for All Occasions and also at D & H Barbecue.

Like many folks in the world of food and beverage, Wheeler is a people person.

"The thing I enjoy the most – it may sound crazy, but it's the interaction," she said. "It's people. That's what it's all about."

Her days at Manning Restaurant start in the kitchen at 5 a.m., an hour before the doors open and hungry folks show up. Wheeler likes to be in the kitchen. And she likes to be out front with the crowd, waiting on customers. And you might find her at the cash register, too.

"I try to do it all," she said with a laugh. "I'm blessed with a lot of friends and family members who help."

This winter's walloping ice storm – the second and more severe one – saw Manning Restaurant at one point as the only establishment with power. And Wheeler remembers Bill Fenters helping bus tables while his wife Pat poured iced tea refills and pitched in.

"To me, that's what a small town is all about," Wheeler said. "That's what makes it."

In addition to hosting civic organizations in the separate dining room, Wheeler said people should also know they can also enjoy call-ahead ordering if they need plenty of food for several people, such as turkeys, hams, pork tenderloins and casseroles.

And cakes. Don't forget cakes.

"I love catering different events – weddings, graduation parties, office parties and church events," she said. "We'll help however we can."

Her sunny disposition and the friendly vibe at Manning Restaurant keep Richard DuBose coming back.

"I'm here about every morning except Sunday," DuBose said, grinning. "I enjoy everyone's company and sit at the long table and find out all the news. The food's good and Brandi's good to me."

Manning Restaurant, at 476 N. Brooks St., is open for breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday, with lunch served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Breakfast on Saturday goes from 6 to 11 a.m., and Sunday diners can enjoy food from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(803) 435-4212