‘More than a place to eat.’ KY restaurant celebrates 60 years.

July 5, 2021

Al Greenfield,

PARIS, Ky. (WTVQ) – It’s the 60th anniversary of a restaurant in Paris that over the years has become more than a place to eat.

“I’m just glad that they’re celebrating it. I hope they can go another 60 years,” Harvey Turley, long-time patron, said.

Turley and his wife, Lydia, have lived in Paris for more than 20 years, and say they come to Jerry’s Restaurant every day.

“We come at least two times a day,” Lydia said. “We come for breakfast and we come for lunch.”

They’re faces that head waitress Heather Faulkner knows well.

“It’s just really tight-knit. Everybody knows everybody,” Faulkner said. “Most of the time, the people that come in during the day we know – we wait on every day. That’s the best part about it all.”

That family atmosphere is why the Turleys come so often.

One granddad-grandson due agreed, but 9-year-old Nash Kirk, who also celebrated his birthday Monday, said the food is definitely a selling point.

“I love the pancakes,” Kirk said excitedly.

One of the restaurant’s owners, Maxine Pulliam is 96-years-old.

The Jerry’s in Paris is the last one operating in Kentucky; that’s why this milestone means so much.

“We tried our best to go get the curbside – bought extra gift cards and stuff just to try to help them stay in business,” Pete Dailey said.

“It just was really great that we all stuck together and pulled it through,” Lydia said.

Despite their best efforts, they all said it’s a testament to how the restaurant is run.

General Manager Barry Sargent said he’s humbled by the community support.

“We thank them tremendously for what they did for us,” Sargent said. “If it wasn’t for them, no telling what would have happened.”

Sargent also said it’s thanks to long-time staff members who keep the place afloat.

“They feel like family,” Sargent said. “They’ll do anything for each other.”

And, he’s proud to say the same about the community he serves.

The restaurant is celebrating its milestone anniversary all month long with gift card giveaways, live music in the parking lot and more. Click here for all the details.