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Backroad treasure
Cornersville landmark lures visitors seeking food, fellowship, and a change of pace
| Story and photos by Morgan Graham |
2/17/2021 |
Fellowship, antiques, and good food have customers straying off the beaten path of Interstate 65. Tucked back in the small Marshall County community of Cornersville, Old Delina Country Store is a place where locals and newcomers come together over hand-made burgers, ice cream, and fried pies.
For owner Larry Payne, it’s all about preserving history and creating a space where people want to come, relax, and visit with both local residents and out-of-town visitors.
“We’ve had guests from all over the place,” says the retired Air Force veteran. “One couple from Indiana plans their beach trips around stopping in Cornersville to eat and check in on the locals.”
Larry admits that four decades in the United States Air Force and electronic sales didn’t prepare him to own and operate a diner, but that didn’t stop him from preserving the 1892 structure for the community to enjoy.
“I never thought I would be running a store, but God is funny that way,” says the 70 year old. “Who am I to argue with him?”
The store truly is a family affair,
jokes Larry. My wife, Jeanette, who initially wanted nothing to do with the store, now spends most of her time decorating and maintaining it. Larry’s youngest daughter, Jaclyn, manages the retail and restaurant, which offers essential groceries, antiques, and home goods Jeanette brings in.
While the rest of the family work to ensure the store is operating smoothly, Larry fulfills what he sees as his most important role: server, greeter, and host. He treats every guest as if they are longtime family friends.
“When I look out from the kitchen, Dad is nearly always sitting with customers, normally talking their heads off,” says Jaclyn with a laugh. “Sometimes I have to intervene because they’ve already finished their lunch and dessert.”
While laughter and good conversation are always a priority, the menu is quite the attraction, too. Old Delina’s menu contains diner staples like hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and chicken fingers, as well as thick-cut bologna, catfish, and a Southern favorite: fried green tomatoes.
Upon visiting the local landmark, many sharp visitors note the distinctive sign out front, which features the misspelling “Old Delina Country Stor.”
“I found the perfect old barn door to use as a sign,” Jeannette explains. “After I got too far along with the lettering, I realized I’d run out of room. We just decided to leave it that way because it was a great conversation piece and added down-home character.”
Larry chuckles as the discussion of the sign continues.
“But you have to admit, it fits the nostalgia of the store,” he says.
When asked what sets the store apart, Jaclyn points out the lack of cell phone service, adds to the authenticity of the place.
“Since we don’t have service here, you won’t see people on their phones,” she says. “You’ll see them talking to each other or guests at other tables.”
The camaraderie among the guests has led to interesting interactions. Larry explains how two families who chose to dine at the store started talking and realized they were distantly related.
While the effects of COVID-19 haven’t completely disrupted the daily life of the Paynes, the crisis has caused the family to scale back on days they are open and forced them to adjust menu options.
For now, the store will remain open
Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m until
6 p.m. and will feature a limited menu that changes as demand and meat prices fluctuate.
However, the menu will always feature the store’s fan favorite: a stress-free good time.
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