The smell drags you in. The warmth, humor and kindness of the owners and staff keeps you there. The food will make sure, indeed, that you will continue to return. Every customer that walks through the door gets a free sample, while they wait. The pictures that adorn almost every space on the walls and ceilings tell the stories of people who love the food and the hands that prepare it. From local t.v. personalities, to sports celebrities and comedians, not to mention regular locals, everyone agrees there's no place like Arlene's.
Invited by her personal hair dresser to set up at the hair salon to sell lunches, Arlene had no idea what God had in store for her. You see, Arlene is from Miami. She knows cooking. She knows recipes that most of us haven't had the pleasure to introduce to our taste buds. So began the journey from the beauty salon to her own restaurant. In just 9 weeks after being told she needed to open up her own place, God opened doors for Arlene. Literally. Driving around, looking for a place to start, she called the owner of a building. The building was boarded up and wasn't even listed for lease. The owner met with her anyway, and guess what? The owner happened to be a Christian also. Within 3 months, Arlene had her permits, licenses, inspections and set up. Her very own pastor and congregation members showed up to bless the business. That was October 3, 2007. Not even 2 years and they are already getting ready to expand, within 3-6 months, into the building next door. Owned by the same landlord! The new facility will allow for sit down eating, along with the current take-out.
They offer some Sunday southern style vegetables. The kind that take you back to your southern youth and childhood. They offer a dish called a "Denby Burger" that is hand patted and seasoned for a 1/2 lb in size. She has a special secret tea she calls a "Miami Flop", with special blends of pineapple. (Getting hungry already, aren't you?) The sauce covering the ribs is unlike any other. There's no question, once you eat the food why people return again and again. When you realize and learn what a kind and giving heart Arlene and her husband possess, you understand why the Lord has blessed them so. When people stop by who have no money, they feed them. They feed the homeless, the elderly. They hold special events to bless the community. Face painting, activities for kids, music and the such is something that they regularly hold once a month. They cater for military events, and other special events as well.
Arlene's motto is "prepared with blessed hands". Because the Lord blesses them through their hands. Arlene believes that none of us can do anything without "HIM". When asked why they believe they have been so successful in such a short time, Arlene and her husband respond quickly, "because we have given back and tried to be a blessing to others".
Make it a point to stop by 3420 Mobile Hwy in Pensacola when you are hungry. They also offer catering services. Their phone number is: 850-434-7525,
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