A Place For Food And Friends

The Bluff Park Diner

 

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Meet the staff of Bluff Park Diner. Pictured back from left are Billy Jo Dunn, Gordon Saunders, Amanda Glass, and Rod Bonner. Pictured front from left are Recie Frazier and Nikki Martin. Like and follow the diner on Facebook at @bluffparkdinerhooveral Courtesy Bluff Park Diner.

 

Gordon and Julie Saunders have worked in the food/service industry for many years.  The couple owned Tropical Smoothie Café in Hoover for seven years, and Gordon was the area developer for Blimpie Subs and Salads for five years.

His wife Julie is no stranger to the area as well and has been in real estate for almost 24 years.  The Saunders bought the iconic Bluff Park Diner at 591 Shades Crest Road (previously known as Berts On The Bluff) just over a year ago and are continuing the tradition of homestyle food served on Shades Mountain.

 

A Chat About The Diner With Gordon Saunders

 

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Why Did You Want To Buy A Diner, And What Is To Come?

“We bought the Bluff Park Diner because we love the Bluff Park Community.”  

“I grew up in this area and have lived here all my life.  When we bought the diner, we remodeled the inside with new flooring and added pictures and accessories depicting the Bluff Park area that gives it a hometown, community feel.  We are hoping to add old-timey malted milkshakes towards the spring and summer. “

 

What Great Food Offerings Do You Have?

“Bluff Park Diner is considered a meat and three.  Which means we offer several meat selections and many vegetables to choose from daily.   Along with a plate, you can add your choice of cornbread or a dinner roll.  We have several selections of fruit, pecan cobbler, or banana pudding for dessert.”  We are happy to have Rod Booner remain as the chef here at the diner.  Rod’s family has also been involved in the food industry for many years so it comes naturally to him.”

 

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Meat loaf, cinnamon apples, fried okra, roll, and blackberry cobbler. via Google Local Guide Greg Skaggs.

 

 

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via BluffParkDiner.com

What About Catering?

Bluff Park Diner On The Go?

“Yes, we have started catering on a daily basis and will have holiday catering.”  All menus and catering details can be found on the diner’s new website – bluffparkdiner.com”

 

Most Important Question: What Is Your Favorite Dish That You Serve?

“My favorite dishes include, fried catfish, fried chicken, meatloaf, turnips, homemade macaroni and cheese, and hot cinnamon apples.”  “Julie’s favorite is the hamburger steak and a vegetable plate with turnip greens, fresh squash, and fried okra.”  

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via BluffParkDiner.com

 

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Rod’s Fried Chicken, fried okra, green beans, roll, and pecan cobbler.  Vegetable plate across table.  via Google Local Guide Greg Skaggs.

 

 

What Do You Hope Bluff Park Diner Adds To The Community?

“The Diner had been a part of the Bluff Park Community for over 40 years.  We hope to carry on the tradition that started a long time ago.  We want to be a staple in Bluff Park and be a place people can come and meet their friends and family and have a home-cooked meal.”

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Bluff Park Diner.  From left, Amanda Glass, Recie Frazier, Jordan Carroll, and Nikki Martin. Courtesy Bluff Park Diner. 

 

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