Tuesday, November 2, 2021 - Remember when, after late-night ballgames, community events, the rodeo or evening church services, everyone headed to the 24-hour-diner to hang out and eat burgers, breakfast or some homemade pie? Well, get ready because this will soon become a reality in Sallisaw once again thanks to a new, local 24-hour restaurant. Sherry’s Farmhouse Kitchen, located in the former Pizza Hut location, will be bringing this tradition back for all to enjoy.
Sherry Lenington, owner of Sherry’s Farmhouse Kitchen, said the restaurant will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, and will offer good old fashioned homestyle country cooking. Some of the menu items will include breakfast, which will be available 24 hours a day, fried catfish, boneless porkchops, meat loaf, and, of course homemade pies and cinnamon rolls.
"We will have daily lunch specials as well as weekly specials that never change, such as our free tea Tuesdays," Lenington said.
Lenington’s journey began at the age of 15 while working with her sister, Carolyn Whitmire, washing dishes. Lenington went on to work at Blue Ribbon Diner before leaving to manage the 18-Wheeler Diner in Sallisaw. "After that I had the opportunity to go into a partnership with James Martin, a mentor to me, and became the co-owner of the second 18-Wheeler Diner on the opposite side of town in 2015," Lenington said. Martin and Lenington went into partnership one last time as co-owners of the 4-Star Diner in Roland for six years.
"James passed away a year and a half ago, but he as well as my sister, Carolyn, have served as my inspiration and motivation during this process of making my lifelong dream come true," Lenington stated
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Lenington sold her part of the 4-Star Diner earlier this year, which is when she decided it was time to take the leap and open her own place. With over 11 years of experience, she put her mind to it and started seeking out places to establish her very own restaurant. Once Lenington came across the former Pizza Hut building, located on East Cherokee, she knew that the place was meant for her. "I have come back home because this is where I started and this is where I will end,” Lenington said.
Lenington hopes to have the restaurant open and running within the next week and is currently looking for grill cooks and waitresses to add to her staff. Those interested can stop by the restaurant at any time to put in their application.
"Sherry's Farmhouse Kitchen will also have a Facebook page available as soon as we get up and running so the community can check out our daily and weekly specials," Lenington added.
Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer
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