Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correctly reflect the original ownership of the restaurant.

The Southernaire Restaurant & Motel in Stewart takes you back to the days of mom-and-pop general stores and service stations, casual diners and quaint motels that offered motorists a place to stop, rest and refuel.

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Conveniently situated not far from the shores of Kentucky Lake, the Southernaire has been welcoming folks from both near and far for more than three decades. The atmosphere is down-home and welcoming, just like the folks who run the place.

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Originally founded by the Mallory family, Leroy “Bingo” Powell and his wife, Martha, purchased the building in the early 1990s, and their children and their families help run the Southernaire today.

Customers, too, are treated like family. In fact, the restaurant’s Facebook page resembles a sort of family photo album, with pictures of family members, employees and customers alike all being celebrated no matter what the occasion.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

The Southernaire: A Family Affair

Of course, it’s not just the friendly atmosphere that attracts folks to the Southernaire but also the mouthwatering menu that is reminiscent of mamaw’s cooking and the roadside diners of yesteryear.

“My dad has always offered a variety of foods,” says Jan Archer, Bingo Powell’s daughter. “He and my late brother, George, always told people they serve everything from grits to prime rib. People come from miles away for large breakfasts, steaks and prime rib.”

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What started out as a retirement hobby quickly grew into the busiest and most beloved eatery in the county. The restaurant offers a buffet on Sunday afternoons that features customer favorites like catfish fillets, roasted chicken, turnip greens, beans and cornbread. And if folks are looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, the homemade banana pudding and peach cobbler are sure to hit the spot.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

This diverse menu would not be possible without the commitment of the hardworking staff. Their cook, Billy, has worked for the Powell family for over 30 years.

“We have very professional, excellent wait staff and friendly service. We definitely aim to please our customers,” Archer says. “We have been blessed to have wonderful help throughout the years.”

But not only does the Southernaire attribute its longtime success to great food, a friendly atmosphere and hardworking staff, but also to the customers and community.

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The Powell family reopened the restaurant Mother’s Day weekend 1992, and the Southernaire remains a Houston County staple. Bingo Powell, now 92, only stopped cooking at age 89. Martha, 87, continues to do the bookkeeping. Even at their age, the Powells remain dedicated to their restaurant.

“We’ve got folks who have been coming here since we first opened, so they start to become like family,” Bingo Powell says. “We’ve always been a family here.”