Seeing the “For Sale” sign in front of the building at 6722 Hixson Pike brought back a memory of the original occupant. Though other businesses have been located there over the years, Uncle Henry’s Country House Restaurant was the first. On any given Sunday in the 1970’s, the Country House was filled with diners who went there after church services.
The Country House opened in 1974 with Albert H. Hall and his wife, Gwendolyn “Sue,” as owners. According to Mrs. Hall’s obituary ( http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/8/15/329923/Hall-Gwendolyn-Sue.aspx) , the couple owned some restaurants in the area which included Chow Now, Country House and more recently Home Folks in Soddy Daisy.
I recall that outside the restaurant, a large post supported a huge sign which advertised the restaurant. On the sign was a caricature of a barefoot hillbilly man wearing a crumpled hat and who was devouring a fried chicken drumstick.
In 1976, a second Country House location opened at 5103 Dayton Boulevard in Red Bank. This location was short-lived. By 1977, only the Hixson Pike location was open.
Uncle Henry’s Country House continued to serve customers into the 1980’s. Mr. Hall passed in 1988.
If you have memories or additional information on Uncle Henry’s Country House, please send me an e-mail at jolleyh@bellsouth.net. I would love to find a photo of the restaurant’s sign which featured the hillbilly who was presumably Uncle Henry.
Memories of Readers
I sure do remember Uncle Henry's. Seems like they were known for BBQ. I always enjoyed eating there. Never knew they were the same people as Home Folks. I guess they are some good restaurateurs.