News, Phil Campbell
 By  Alison James Published 
11:38 am Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Fatty Shack becomes Blue’s Diner

Stanley Gilliland is a newcomer to the restaurant business, technically, but not a newcomer to business in general. He’s drawing on years of experience waiting tables, working in a college cafeteria, managing a slate of rental properties and the degrees he holds in business and accounting to inform his restaurant management strategy – revamping the Fatty Shack in Phil Campbell as Blue’s Diner.

Gilliland took over the Fatty Shack (formerly Mrs. D’s) March 28. He’s made significant investment into the business already, installing a new water heater, air conditioner, stovetop and other appliances, along with putting the hot bar back into operation. He said he’s also putting a focus on adequate staffing and keeping stocked with plenty of food and supplies, as well as concentrating on cleanliness and great atmosphere.

Three cooks keep the kitchen running, and three or four other employees are on hand to provide service. “We hope to grow and add more,” Gilliland said.

He said he’s getting good feedback on the changes he’s made, like adding a plate lunch six days a week, featuring meat-and-three, drink and dessert for $8 – along with now-standard menu items like loaded backed potatoes and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. “They’re really bragging on the food,” he said. “People are happy.”

Gilliland maintains a personal presence at the restaurant four to six hours a day. “I love it,” he said. “I’ve got something to look forward to.”

The restaurant is named after a Chihuahua that belonged to Gilliland’s wife, who has since passed away. Blue was the first in what became a long line of pet Chihuahuas for the Gillilands, ­ who now have eight – their story was featured in the most recent edition of Franklin Living. “The name has just been a hit,” Gilliland said.

Blue’s Diner is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. “The Liars Club” – every good ol’ Southern restaurant has one – meets up each morning to have breakfast and swap tales, Gilliland said. “The key to success is carrying on a bunch of foolishness,” Gilliland joked.

Also on Franklin County Times
Thorpe to play at Blue Mountain Christian
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Brennon Thorpe made his plans official to attend Blue Mountain Christian University and play baseball for the Toppers during a recent s...
Russellville High Class of 1967 gathers, reminisces
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
July 16, 2025
You can’t really go back to the good old days of high school, but you can pay them a visit now and then. That’s exactly what the RHS Class of 1967 has...
Former Cypress Lakes official to lead Guntersville State Park
Lifestyles, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
GUNTERSVILLE — Heath Puckett had an Auburn University degree and golf course superintendent certification in his pocket when he arrived at Cypress Lak...
European travel builds bonds across cultures
Lifestyles, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- A group of Franklin County travelers spent nine days this summer walking through catacombs, exploring castles and standing in places w...
Little Free Library welcomes readers in East Franklin
Lifestyles, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Eleven-year-old Aiden Hall is an avid reader, but he doesn’t just want to read books. He also wants to share them, and the way he deci...
King becomes elementary curriculum director
Lifestyles, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELVILLE — Molly King says every child can learn, though not necessarily in the same way or on the same day — a belief she plans to carry into her ...
New Junior Leaders begin their training
Franklin County, News
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
FRANKLIN COUNTY — Forty-two high school students from across Franklin County are beginning 10 months of hands-on leadership training and community ser...
Fire destroys 2-story garage, guest suite
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
R U S S E L LV I L L E – Jason Gist leaned against the wall of his home with a look of disgust while dozens of firefighters worked to extinguish a fir...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Stories
July 4, 2025Augusto Simon Diaz, 42, of Russellville, passed away July 4. Visitation and funeral were held at Spry Memorial Chapel on July 12 from 2pm ...
July 16, 2025
July 8, 2025Jamie Kerby Cummings, 41, of Russellville, passed away on July 8. Visitation took place July 13, at Spry Memorial Chapel from 1 pm to 3pm....
July 16, 2025
July 11,2025Julie “JuJu” Welch Black, 63, of Russellville, passed away on July 11.Graveside service was held at 1pm on July 13, at Belgreen Cemetery w...
July 16, 2025
July 9, 2025Scott Noel Benford, age 58, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on July 9. Visitation was held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville on July 1...
July 16, 2025