CityView Magazine

52 September 2021 Fall in Fayetteville A Home with Treats and No Tricks Faces of Fayetteville Real Estate COMING IN OCTOBER Complete with soul-warming grits, crispy bacon or sliced tomatoes. Or stacks of pancakes that bring out the giggles in kids of all ages. Belgian waffles, too. And, of course, "e ing." Sandwiches dominate the lunch menu, including the excellent Turkey Melt and Reuben. Burgers are another favorite, including Bubba's Monster Burger, a 10-ounce beef patty piled high with grilled onions, peppers, American and pepper Jack cheeses, served with lettuce, tomato and mayo on sourdough bread. Top, Mary is pictured with Maria LeBlanc, server, cook Simeon McNeill who started with her as a dishwasher at age 17 and is now 58, Sharon Egan, dining room manager and Jennifer Schoville, who works prep. Above, MaryBill's menu favorites incude large omelettes and the turkey melt. Four of Mary's staff have been with her a combined 100-plus years. Daily specials include rib-sticking foods such as hamburger steak on Tuesday, pork chops on Wednesday, meatloaf on ursday, and salmon patties on Friday. Sides include fried cabbage, coleslaw, fried okra and pasta salad, the staples you'd see on many a Southern menu. Lighter appetites might choose Dr. Stout's Salad, spiked with grilled lemon chicken, and named in honor of the late building owner and developer. Almost everything on the menu is between $3 to $9. It's no wonder that a loyal following eats here just about daily between Tuesday through Friday – and dozens make MaryBill's a weekly date. e atmosphere is decidedly '70s retro with homey touches such as family photos on the walls. Mary keeps a Christmas tree up all year long. Ditto for large ornamental balls hanging from the ceiling. "I have to!" she says. "I have no storage." She'll tell you that restaurant work is all she knows. And she loves it, so there. "is is the most rewarding retail business to be in," she says. "And if you're going to do it, do it right. Give it all you've got." MaryBill's Café, at 801 Elm St., is open Tuesday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most menu items are under $9. Nonalcoholic beverages include sodas, juices and milk. e homemade desserts are rave-worthy, notably Mary's honey bun cake and the German chocolate dump cake. Catering is available. Call 910-221-1170.

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