A love for cooking for family, friends and at church events has turned into a business for Beverly Milton.
The Benton Harbor native has opened her 10-seat restaurant, The Ideal Grill Cafe, in the BP gas station and convenience store located at 4609 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville.
The new venture features foods Milton says you can't find everywhere. Catfish and talapia with cornbread pudding a just two examples. "It's all homecooked," Milton says.
She also offers "a whole plethora" of family recipes when it comes to deserts.
She opened the restaurant "to bring a choice to the table," Milton says.
Customers already have noticed that Milton not only likes to serve great food, she serves every meal with a smile. One of the best parts of being a restaurant entrepreneur is serving people she wouldn't meet otherwise, she says.
Milton received advice on how to run the business from the
Cornerstone Alliance Small Business Services and Women's Business Center. She contacted the center shortly after opening her restaurant last December, seeking assistance and support services for her business venture.
Initially, Milton is the restaurant's sole employee. But she expects to be adding employees soon.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Beverly Milton, The Ideal Grill Cafe
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.