New Eldorado restaurant to benefit veterans

The Eldorado American Legion Family Restaurant, under new ownership, celebrated its grand opening over the weekend, complete with giveaways, door prizes and free dessert.

New owner Sarah Taylor said her restaurant features an all new menu and a staff of family and close friends.

"We've added a lot of things (to the menu)," Taylor said. "And we do a lot of homemade cooking."

Good, down-home cooking is Taylor's style, with steaks, fish and homemade hush puppies, potato salad, cole slaw and desserts. Each day of the week features a special at the restaurant.

Friday's special is fish, and Saturday's special is steak. Other days might be meatloaf, spaghetti or lasagna, compliments of an experienced chef.

Diners can also order from the Honor Menu, and 10 percent of the proceeds from items on that menu go to benefit veterans organizations such as Wounded Warriors.

Taylor said she decided to purchase the restaurant after the former owner, Stacy Payne, floated ideas of selling it. Taylor said she was looking for something to do, but the promise of helping veterans was what especially appealed to her.

"My father was a veteran before he passed away, and so I always try to do something for them (veterans)," Taylor said.

In addition to helping veterans, Taylor, originally from Carmi, said her favorite part of running the restaurant is meeting new people.

"It's been great, all the people we're meeting. I ventured out of my hometown, and hopefully I can help build this town up a little bit," Taylor said.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. It is located at 1201 Locust St. in Eldorado.