'Long time coming': Earley's Kitchen set to reopen South Monroe location

A year after closing for renovations to its interior and exterior, Earley's Kitchen owners Jay and Anita Morrell are ready to show off the south side landmark's new facelift.

To celebrate its grand reopening and thank patrons for their support, Earley's Kitchen is hosting a complimentary community breakfast on Saturday, April 27.

"We just decided as a thank you and appreciation to the community and all the folks in Tallahassee we're going to give a free breakfast," Jay Morrell said in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.

Patrons of the restaurant that has operated in the South Monroe location for over 40 years will be welcomed back to what Jay Morrell describes as a "modernized" space with upgraded designs, including a bar, a new logo and new menu items, but he wants to reassure guests that "at the end of the day, we're still going to be Earley's Kitchen."

The renovations were ordered to meet the Morrells' vision of introducing a dinner service and weekend brunches. Both plans are still in the works as they look to add more staff to their team. Open positions include bartenders, chefs, line cooks, waiters, hosts and cleaners. Those interested in positions can email [email protected].

Until the Morrells feel the newest additions to their team are "ramped up," Earley's Kitchen will continue serving its usual classic soul-food-style sandwiches, meats and breakfast specialties starting Monday, April 29.

The Morrells also operate Earley's at the Capitol, which includes the lower-level cafeteria and 10th floor coffee shop.

Jay Morrell name-dropped a few menu items he plans to introduce in the dinner and weekend brunch service he hopes to introduce within the next 30 days.

Some of the menu items are "a new take on some of the Southern classics," he said, referring to the newly installed woodfire grill. These include double cowboy pork chops and bourbon glazed salmon. Other items include Jamaican jerk wings and a take on a osso buco, a hearty slow-braised meal that is usually composed of veal shanks in a wine and vegetable-based sauce but instead of veal or lamb, he plans to use oxtail.

"I just kind of want to break out of my old mold and offer some different items," the American Culinary Federation-certified chef said.

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Other items teased on the Earley's menu are coffee drinks, from espressos to some infused with spirits, and other cocktails – offerings that seem to be in growing demand in the capital to pair with cherished breakfast items.

If you go to the community breakfast:

• Where: 1458 S. Monroe St.

• When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, April 27

Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at [email protected]. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know!

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Earley's Kitchen in Tallahassee set to reopen South Monroe restaurant