Gonzales, Louisiana

Established 1986

Country Kitchen has grown strong roots in Gonzales since opening its doors in 1986.  It has become a favorite lunch spot among locals for its friendly atmosphere, good home-style food, and quick in-and-out service.  The building has been here for over 75 years and has accommodated many different businesses; including a feed & hardware store, a furniture store, a barber shop, a frame shop, a pants factory, plumbing & hardware stores, various antique/gift shops, and eventually the Country Kitchen and Horn of Plenty health food store. 

Skipper & Ginger McInnis

On any given day you will find the seats at Country Kitchen filled with locals and a few out-of-towners. Many people travel from across town for their favorite dish, something like the fried chicken livers served every Thursday.  Patrons seem to appreciate the home-like atmosphere, often commenting that it feels like grandma’s kitchen.  Sundays have a special feel to them when all the local families gather, visiting with fellow community members.  Country Kitchen has become an easy meeting place for groups such as the Corvette club, motorcycle groups, school groups, and large family gatherings.  With the ample seating in the banquet room and a variety of food choices on the buffet larger groups are easily accommodated. 

Jerry and Jean Cannon ventured into the restaurant business in 1986, with their four daughters working as waitresses.  They worked to create a family-friendly atmosphere that served up classic southern-style dishes, just like grandma would make.  Two of the Cannon’s daughters, Jana Capiel and Lori Carmouche were still familiar faces among the staff up until 2022.  Many of the Cannon’s grandkids and even great-grandchildren have joined the staff over the years.  Mr. Cannon’s vision of a family-owned and operated business lives on today.  When Skipper and Ginger McInnis bought the restaurant in the summer of 2001, they took care to continue the traditions that made the Country Kitchen a successful staple in the community.  Mr McInnis is always looking for ways to improve upon that foundation and foster growth.  

“Country Kitchen was such a blessing from God for Jerry and I to be able to go on this journey together. We enjoyed 15 years of success, with the help of our four daughters. We are happy to witness the growth that has continued with the McInnis’.”

- Jean Cannon

When the Cannon’s opened the restaurant they wanted a nostalgic feel to the decor. They filled the walls with antiques and collectibles.  Many of those items, such as the vintage cookie jars and coffee pots remained with the store when the McInnis’ came in.  Mrs McInnis has always had a love for antiques and over the years she has added to the decor with many items from her own childhood as well as finds from other shops and auctions.  She eventually decided to open her own shop, “Ginger’s Attic” at the front of the building.  She sells a variety of items, but most notable are her Angel plaques which are created from antique jewelry and other small pieces.  Mrs. McInnis says “It brings me such joy to see parents showing their children the collection of items throughout the building; vintage games, old phones, and antique tools.” Mr McInnis loves to travel and started his own collection of landscape photography with images he has captured from his adventures.  These are displayed in one of the dining rooms.  He loves to sit with patrons and swap stories.