Although it will be in a different location and under a new name, former Sunrise Cafe owner and Ashland City resident Candice Beasley plans to have her new restaurant, O’Brien’s Southern Diner, up and running by the end of the month.
This weekend, though, Beasley plans to dish out her locally famous fare in her new digs located at 2905 HWY 49 W in Ashland City, nestled on a spacious lot just four miles from the county courthouse. This trial run will allow her to settle into her new routine and prep for the grand opening scheduled for September 30.
The new location, formerly Brantley’s Catfish and Jaybird’s Family Restaurant, was discovered after an “exhausting and stressful” 18-month search following the 2017 closing of her former cafe after four years in business.
“The journey to get here was a long and emotionally stressful one,” says Beasley. “But I am excited beyond belief to have found this spot and to finally get to do things my way.”
To help her comfortably regain her footing and successfully take on an entire remodel, Beasley offered a small percentage of her business to Cheatham County local, Amanda Melton, who will be handling the office and clerical work; this partnership will allow for Beasley to keep her focus on customer service and food quality.
Now that the dust has settled and opening day is right around the corner, Beasley is “beyond ready” to continue her dream and take advantage of her fresh start- doing what she loves most: cooking and serving the people of her community.
In a retro, diner-like setting, O’Brien’s will showcase popular dishes like steak, fish & chips, salisbury steak, chicken & dressing, and barbecue. Patrons will also find themed-menu nights that will offer items like gumbo and jambalaya on “Cajun Night,” and Shepard’s Pie and corned beef with hash on “Irish Night.”
O’Brien’s will also be serving daily breakfast, “something the community seems to be begging for,” according to Beasley. She will also continue the tradition of serving her locally famous burgers, hand-dipped shakes, and old fashioned caramel cakes.
Dedicated to helping when and where she can, Beasley will proudly offer discounts to seniors, military, first responders, and law enforcement.
Beasley hopes to employ roughly 15 people in her new restaurant, but just like her schedule at Sunrise, she plans to be at O’Brien’s “all day, every day.”
“I am doing this for everyone who has stuck by me. I just need everyone to show back up,” Beasley says with excitement.
O’Brien’s Southern Diner will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 AM to 8:30 PM.
