JASON LOTT
I think I arrived at what was simultaneously the best and worst time to arrive. The best because I was blessed with being introduced to a lot of the wonderful family that owns and operates this place who made me feel like family, plus they have an expanded menu on the weekends. The worst because it was basically time to close & there were a couple items that they had run out of. Fortunately, they have plenty of amazing sides to choose from if your first choice isn’t available. I had the meatloaf with potato salad, string beans, bread roll & peach cobbler. Everything is definitely homemade, cooked fresh daily & made to order. There’s not a dining room but they do have tables on a covered porch. They cook a lot like my family does which was a very pleasant surprise; because I’m allergic to pork & shellfish, & there’s very few places in the south where pork or shellfish are not cooked into every dish. I’m currently renovating my home so not having a kitchen to cook at home in and finding this place is an amazing blessing. I’ll be a repeat customer for sure.
… moreWalk Faster
This was a very unique experience for me. The owner has put together an accessible cafe for local residents to access a hot meal. More like a home cooked meal served from catering pans, like something one might see at the cafeteria just off the social hall of a small church. My visit occurred outside the traditional lunch period. When I entered the establishment, I was warmly greeted but no instruction or guidance was provided. I was seated however.
Thinking this was a buffet, I stood and approached the modest food table thinking I would take a look at the offering before choosing a selection. As I arrived to Ma’ Francis Kitchen, I was not provided a menu. Once I gestured in the direction of the food, an attendant jumped into action. This was not a self-serve buffet. I did not understand the portioning or side options, I just sort of winged it once I had a view of what was within each pan.
Customers are expected to stand on the dining room side of the serving table as the assistant opens one catering dish at a time and offers to scoop, dip or tong a serving for the customer. I followed along, but this felt somewhat like being in a dark room and without the ability to see what else is available until a light shown on each individual entre. The server politely performed her function nonverbally through physical gesture.
The food was fresh and undoubtedly healthy. However, this did not strike me as flavorful or what I call, “comfort food.” I’ve eaten food at a few senior centers before and was served nutritious food prepared by a hospital staff made for patients with dietary restrictions, low salt, mild or very light seasonings, etc.
While the quality was good and I didn’t feel like I was eating anything I would regret later, the dish prepared for me lacked creativity, inspiration or the pizzazz one expects from dining out.
Ma’ Francis Kitchen serves locals a good hot meal. It’s location is close in where locals with personal mobility or access to a short ride can get a healthy meal quick. As I recall, the dining area was quite small and seemed best suited for small parties of five or less. This place would not be well suited for a larger group to gather.
The decorations are sedate and there is very little in the way of views outside of the dining area. A TV monitor is hung on the wall for patron viewing.
I didn’t see signage for a bathroom, but I could have missed that because I was focused on the business of eating before I paid my bill and was on my way. The cost was reasonable.
The dining area is accessible by wheelchair, from the street or through a small parking area for customers just off the front entrance.
From the Google listing for Ma’ Francis Kitchen, click on the website link for access to the current menu posted to Facebook. Below is a sample.
An area of improvement that I would suggest is to increase communications with customers, especially first time visitors who may have followed the signs posted along 431 and ventured in to give Ma’ Francis Kitchen a try and aren’t familiar with the program.
Providing a menu might clear up most questions a customer might think to ask. A quick overview of the day’s entre choices and side options before cracking open the first pan might work to brief the customer in a way that helps them to organize their selections and plate.
Keep up the good work and thanks for having me over to your place for lunch. 🙂
… moreJohn Bryan
Off the main road in Roanoke is this hidden gem.
They have a meat and 2 for $9.99 or all you can eat for $15.
I chose the all you can eat to they everything. The chicken was juicy and amazing. The vegetables were just like my grandmother made.
This is worth the stop for meat and veggies
… moreJuOuttaHTown
I was excited to try this place on a Sunday, for their advertised Sunday Buffet. I’m glad I did. I was first greeted by who I later learned is one of Ma Francis’ sons, in the parking lot, as he directed me right to where my meal awaited. I made way way into the annex building in the rear and was promptly greeted by youthful, smiling faces before making my way to the buffet table where a very nice woman served me exactly what I’d asked for among several other options. I had the baked chicken, collards, Mac n cheese, stuffing and black eyed peas w/ a side of cornbread and a sweet tea. I was worried my eyes may have been bigger than my stomach when I sat down with my plate haha. And they were. My first & only food plate happened to be plenty for me this trip. I did get a serving of peach cobbler to go. Everything was delicious and perfectly prepared. This was definitely that feel good, smile on my face comfort food I’d hoped for! I can’t wait to visit again very soon and try totally different items my stomach wouldn’t fit on this trip. There aren’t many options in this area, especially on a Sunday. I believe I picked THE best option and am pleased. Give these genuine, nice folks a try. I’m confident you’ll love it!
“Panza llena, corazon contento.”
… moreAna Lopez
They were so good really quick. The food was delicious. They were quick with our food. They always stopped by to make sure me and my family was good so delicious. I write it a 10 out of 10 I definitely recommend y’all to go I would go again
… moreMichael Fitts
We had the Sunday buffet at the annex and it was delicious! I had the baked pork chop, collard greens and chicken and dressing. My wife had meatloaf, collards a n d mashed potatoes! The deserts were banana pudding, peach cobbler and sweet potatoe soufflé. Everything was delicious!
… moreMichael Woody
Don’t understand what is going on. The restaurant is locked up (closed). I see someone inside working but I can tell the retail area is closed. There’s signs posted outside as to the meals for today. The business hours on the door state Sunday operations hours are 1100-1700. The time is 1530. Visited here with the intent to purchase meals for my elderly parents as a surprise. Instead, the surprise is on me. Because of the reasons, I cannot recommend anyone visit here for a meal because of the inability to follow their own posted business hours.
… moreLil Sunshine
A must stop at diner if you are going through Roanoke . This place is clean with an adorable atmosphere. The food is fresh , flavorful with plenty of sides to choose from. Thanks for treating us to great food on our anniversary day. ❤️
… moreDaeja Cook
This place is amazing. Me and my mom had a late lunch and got the buffet they offer for $15. She wanted real food and we definitely got that. They serve southern food and it is super good. Even their mac n cheese is baked. They also give a cake and a drink with the buffet.
I promise you, take a detour from your usual spots and come by here, and come by hungry. You won’t regret it.
… moreRhoda Thompson
We eat here every Sunday with the family [45-50 minute drive to Roanoke, AL.]. A great place to relax and enjoy your meal and think back to Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house.
… more