New Greenville restaurant honors owner's father

GREENVILLE — Stephanie Dixon is a one-woman-shop behind the counter of her new restaurant, Al's on Main.

The new restaurant in Greenville's shopping center on U.S. 11 opened almost nine weeks ago and was seeing a good number of customers.

"We had a really good first few weeks, we were doing really well," Dixon said. "Then, the snow came and then more snow."

Only open for lunch, Dixon serves up homemade sandwiches, soup and chili. With a convection oven, panini grill and a crockpot, she is the only person making and serving the food for now.

Dixon named the restaurant for her father, Albert Beverly, who died in 2012 from emphysema.

"It's nice to carry on his name," she said. "It means a lot when people come in and ask about it."

Dixon has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, taking her first restaurant job at Shoney's in Staunton when she was in high school.

"I just loved meeting the locals and the travelers and hearing their stories," she said. Dixon is looking forward to meeting more locals and travelers with her new business venture.

Dixon grew up in Swoope and moved to Greenville from Waynesboro a year and a half ago. By opening her business, she has been able to grow her social network with the community.

"We're right on a scenic byway which is good," she said. "Once the local ball fields open up, we should be getting more business."

Sharon Clay, of Verona, said her and her family have made the trek out to Greenville for Dixon's food.

"I am so excited to have a local home grown eatery serving the finest and freshest foods," Clay said. "(Dixon) has a creative and unique menu that just can't be found in any other area restaurant's. Her food tickles the taste buds. I have high hopes that Greenville will support this local eatery and make it their favorite."

Although she's hit a snag with getting more customers, she hopes with warmer weather and more activity out in Greenville, her business with catch on.

"I think when the weather stays consistently warm, the locals will be more apt to come out," she said.

Dixon invested $10,000 in her business through credit and loans, and rents the space in the shopping center. Located across the highway from Greenville Grocery and Deli, Dixon doesn't want to step on the established business' toes.

By serving different food and only being open for lunch, Dixon doesn't see direct competition.

"I just want to offer something different in the area," Dixon said.

The owner of the grocery doesn't see it as competition either.

"I don't feel like it'll hurt us," Jeff Coffey, owner of Greenville Grocery and Deli said. Coffey and regulars see the grocery as a huge landmark in Greenville that has been around for decades.

"I welcome it," he said.

Moving forward, Dixon hopes to get more business in order to be able to serve breakfast and bring on family members to help run the place.

Al's on Main is located at 4171 Lee Jackson Highway in Greenville. Check out its Facebook page here.

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