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A crowd was gathered under the summer sun on South Phillips Road Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the owners of Lanett’s newest restaurant, Tasty Taters. 

The official opening date for the restaurant will be July 16, and they will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

“If there’s anything we can do, please let us know,” said Carrie Wood, executive director of the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, during the ceremony. The GVACC hosted the ribbon cutting. “We want to hold your hand through this thing called business.”

Jacobie Barnes and Sonia Warren, co-owners of the restaurant, started the business out of their Lanett home. The first thing on the menu was their popular loaded baked potatoes. 

Soon, though, the business grew into a food trailer and they took their food around the community. As they grew, so too did their menu. Now, Tasty Taters offers burgers, fish filets, hot dogs, hot wings and rice bowls among other items. 

“On behalf of myself and the city council, we appreciate y’all investing in Lanett,” said Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard during the ceremony.

Barnes thanked everyone for coming out to support them. He said without the help of many in the community, he would not have been able to open the business. He particularly thanked Lanett Council member Tifton Dobbs and his friend Mike Finch. 

“I’m here to serve the public,” he added. 

Other officials in attendance included Dobbs, Lanett Police Chief Denise McCain and other county officials. 

“I hope [for] prosperity and longevity,” said David Eastridge, Chambers County District 5 commissioner. 

“This is the busiest road in Chambers County,” he added, praising them on the location of their business. 

The restaurant is at 1902 South Phillips Road in Lanett, just past the Lanett Industrial Park. In addition to the restaurant, they will continue to run the food trailer around the community. 

Barnes and Warren said they hope to continue expanding the business thanks to the overwhelming support they have received from the community.

“Without the support, I would’ve gave up,” Barnes said.