After traveling around the nation setting up restaurants, Jefferson native Randall Allen finally decided to open up his own restaurant, Randall’s Southern Kitchen, just outside of downtown Marshall. Born and raised in Jefferson, Allen began working in the restaurant business 15 years ago at Burger King. Since then he’s worked at various restaurants and restaurant corporations in different upper ma
nagement roles. He’s opened 13 different Cheddar’s restaurants in eight different states, Agora Sports Bar and Grill in Austin, and Kitt's Kornbread Sandwich and Pie Bar in Dallas, Tx.
“I decided to open my own place and give it a shot,” he said. “I had faith and believed I could do it and I did it.”
Describing himself as a people person, Allen said he takes each of his experiences at his previous jobs with him.
“Every job that I’ve had is still a part of me,” he said. “I’m a people person, that got me into the business but what got me into the restaurant business was the money. I said it’s worth a shot, the people you meet in the business, the families you meet is great.”
His restaurant, which opened July 8th, 2014 has been received well by the people of Marshall in his opinion. He serves meatloaf, smothered pork chops, chicken spaghetti, catfish, collard greens and much more to those looking for some Southern comfort food.
“I cook things I was raised on,” he said. His reason for choosing Marshall was due to him knowing how successful other restaurants in the city have been. Allen said he’s hoping to use this restaurant as a launching pad for the others he wants to open in Jefferson, Hallsville and Linden.
“Marshall just seemed like a win win,” he said. With his knowledge in the food industry and the restaurant industry, Allen wants to be able to keep his business on its toes and not fall into the trap of serving the same food every day.
“I don’t want people to say they’re tired of Randall’s food because Randall’s food is always changing, I want to keep them on their toes,” he said. “Plus I’ll have a hand in making the food so I’ll know that it’s good.”
As for his goals for the business, Allen said he just wants to help the economy grow and to continue to expand his restaurant and hopefully the waistlines of those who come in.
“I want to be able to grow the economy. I don’t want to stop at one restaurant. I just want to keep growing, keep going, keep that core of good core southern food,” he said. “We’re within walking distance of businesses and we’re not going to hit their back pockets price-wise. You can eat here every day though you may have to watch your waistline”
Randall’s Southern Kitchen is located at 211 N. Wellington just past Cajun Tex on Hwy 80 towards Longview, Tx and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. It’s closed on Mondays and prices range from $6.99 to $9.99. For more information call (903) 407-4421.
