About Us
The History of Greenbrier Restaurant
The restaurant building you are now sitting in was built in 1952 by Jack Webb as a take out only, one room structure. Jack built the building by hand, and later built some of the tables you are now eating on. It has been remodeled and enlarged several times, the last time by the present owners, the Evans family. The kitchen has been completely updated, but the original rustic decor has been left intact in the dining rooms.
In the early years at Greenbrier, country music stars used to perform on the roof of the building to bring in crowds. The road in front of the building was the main highway between Decatur and Huntsville and still has the name of "Old Highway 20." It was first replaced by Highway 20 and now I-565.
Before public water lines were available in the area the well for the restaurant would often go dry. Water had to be hand carried from a gin across the street. The catfish we now serve are USA pond raised, grain fed fish that are federally inspected. Back in the good ole days river fish were served and kept out back in barrels until they were ordered by the customer. Thank goodness some things have changed.
The actual property has always been owned by the Horton family of downtown Greenbrier. At the time the building was built, Judge James E. Horton of the famous Scottsboro boys case was the family patriarch. The large white plantation house just east the restaurant was where "The Judge" lived. The house was originally located where the current Athens City Hall is now. When the house was moved they didn't move whole houses like today, but instead took the house apart piece by piece and numbered the boards. It was reconstructed where it presently sits.
Our restaurant now specializes in catfish, seafood and Barbequed meats. We also do parties and catering. If we, the Evans family, can be of any service to you, please do not hesitate to ask. Come and visit us soon we are open 10:00am-8:00pm Monday - Saturday!