SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Since 1937, Lloyd’s Restaurant has been owned and operated at only a singular location, first in Chelsea and later moving to Inverness. Next month, however, that tradition will change when Lloyd’s opens its second location in Sylacauga.
Lloyd’s will begin serving customers in March after a long-awaited arrival since rumors began swirling amongst the Sylacauga community at the beginning of 2021 pertaining to the restaurant’s impending expansion.
The restaurant will be moving into the unoccupied, former Golden Rule BBQ on Hwy 280 that sits across the road from the Tony Serra Ford dealership.
It should come as no surprise that the first step towards opening a second location began over a meal with family and friends.
“We had dinner one night with my wife’s ex-roommate from college,” said Lloyd’s owner Bogue Stevens. “Her father actually owned this building, and they were trying to sell it. We just started talking, and I said, ‘You know, I’ve always thought that would be a great Lloyd’s."”
The very next morning, according to Stevens, her parents called to discuss the property with Stevens.
Once the ball got rolling, there was no stopping Stevens from moving Lloyd’s to Sylacauga, an area where he believes the Lloyd’s tradition can flourish.
“I’ve always thought about [coming here] because we have so much clientele that would drive from Alex City or Sylacauga or this vicinity to come eat with us on special occasions,” Stevens explained. “My dad and I always talked about it. We thought Sylacauga would be a good niche for us.”
Eli Stevens, Bogue’s father and the second owner of Lloyd’s after founder Lloyd Chesser sold him the business in 1971, passed away in November of 2020. Now, the once hypothetical conversation of opening in Sylacauga that took place between father and son is becoming a reality.
The road to opening hasn’t been traversed without its fair share of bumps.
After its initial inspection, Stevens and the rest of the Lloyd’s crew faced a few unforeseen issues with supply chain disruption and their new establishment. Nevertheless, they’ve worked diligently to bring Sylacauga’s new Lloyd’s to “tip-top” shape.
“Everything is great,” Stevens said when asked about the building’s condition post-renovations. “Everything is up to code. The city [officials] and inspectors have been great to work with. Mayor [Jim Heigl] and the city council members have been fantastic. Fire Chief [Nate Osgood] has been great. I have no complaints.”
“I told them when we started that we wouldn’t cut any corners and we’d take everything to code,” Stevens added.
Lloyd’s in Sylacauga will seat 160 guests inside with another 30 on the outside patio. Those wishing to enjoy carryout dining can do so via the pickup window or through curbside service.
The dining menu will be identical to the Inverness one, although in Sylacauga, alcoholic drinking options of beer and wine will be offered.
For Stevens, it’s a case of the old saying, ‘Good things come to those who wait.’
“It’s new,” Stevens expressed. “We’ve just been a one family, one restaurant business. We’re anxious and excited to see how things will go here.”
Lloyd’s will operate every day of the week with the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. except for Sundays where the restaurant will open from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
