SPENCER — The former Lunch Box restaurant in Spencer has a new owner and new name.
Donna Huffman has opened the Jennie Lynn’s at 111 Fifth Street, across from the N.C. Transportation Museum.
The restaurant is a combination of her daughter’s names and features hand-dipped ice cream, hot dog and sub sandwiches. Starting this week, Huffman also will offer chicken and dumplings, soups and salads.
For 27 years, Huffman managed Burger King locations throughout the region. She said she decided to strike out on her own and open a restaurant, in part to inspire her five children, ages 13 through 25.
“I’m fulfilling a dream and doing it to prove a point,” Huffman said. “I want to prove to my children that if you set your mind to anything, you can achieve it.”
Huffman said the best thing about running a restaurant is the customers.
“I love working with people, and I love customer service,” she said. “I love to see a smile on a person’s face, and if I can brighten their day, that makes me happy.”
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.
To reach Jennie Lynn’s, call 704-762-9676.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.