Published: 12:00 AM, Thu Sep 02, 2010
Dining Out: Massey Hill Grill
Staff writer
By Brian Dukes
When the owners of the Massey Hill Grill restaurant were looking for someone else to take it over a year ago, Lisa Autry asked herself, "Why not?"
After all, Autry had worked at the quaint soda shop for 30 years as a waitress.
"I figured I might as well give it a try," said Autry. Autry started working at Massey Hill Grill as a teenager when it was operated by the original owners, Hunter and Vivian Smith.
In 2008, the Smiths (now deceased) closed the grill after 53 years of service, leasing it to a Sampson County couple. Autry has been leasing the restaurant from the Smiths' son, James, since July 2009.
"The grill has been a landmark in the community, and I'd been there for a lot of that," said Autry. "I knew all the people, knew the community, knew what people liked. It made sense."
The move made sense to her family as well, said Autry, so much so that she hired several family members to help her run the place, including daughters Wendy Jones and Jennifer Pate, niece Ashley Milliken and son Matthew Autry.
The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, and Autry added that diners have been happy to see a longtime employee keeping the grill's tradition alive.
"Everyone's been so supportive. It's great," said Autry. "I think people like that I've kept some of the old favorite items - we call them classics - while adding my own touches."
Among the menu mainstays customers can look forward to are such throwback items as the Classic Hot Dog ($3.99), served with mustard, onions, slaw, chili, fries and a drink.
Then there's the Classic Burger ($1.69), which is also served with mustard, slaw, onions and chili. Cheese can be added for an additional 20 cents.
The larger Homestyle Burger combo ($5.49) has been a popular lunch item, served with the aforementioned toppings, and cheese (for 30 cents more), as well as fries and a drink.
The chicken salad ($2.89) is made from scratch daily, and is another big lunchtime seller.
Regular grill-goers may recognize the hand-dipped milkshake as a delicious blast from the past.
"We make the milkshakes the same way the Smiths used to make them, which people loved for so long," said Autry.
The shakes are $2.89 each and are available in a variety of flavors.
Speaking of desserts, Autry said a newcomer to the menu, the seven-layer pecan pie, ($1.99 for a slice), has been well-received.
While the restaurant may be busier at lunch, Autry said, breakfast can get busy, too.
"Some folks come in before work to start their day," said Autry. "And others just get a cup of coffee and visit with us."
One of the most popular breakfast items is the ham or country sausage served with two eggs, grits and toast ($4.89). Then there's the fried steak, served with two eggs, grits and toast ($3.99), or the sausage and homemade gravy special served on choice of biscuit or toast for $2.69.
Autry said everything is made fresh to order. All items are available for dine-in or carry-out.
"People love that our food is made from scratch - it's not out of a can or a pack," said Autry. "We actually know how to cook."
Autry said she's been working - and cooking - a lot more than she ever did in the past, but that's what happens when you're the boss.
"My days start at 5 a.m. and I have a lot more on my plate," said Autry. "I'm working harder than ever, but I like being able to set my own hours."
Looking ahead, Autry hopes to add another choice for Massey Hill Grill diners - one that's never been available before.
"I'm thinking about putting in a drive-thru window," said Autry. "But we'll see. I just feel lucky to be here; it's been a blessing, but some days if I'm crazy."
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.