By DAISY MOON / Staff Writer

After a major set back, VJ’s Restaurant is back in business.

On what should have been a happy day, VJ and Robert Cook’s restaurant suffered a devastating blow last Father’s Day.

The restaurant’s namesake, VJ Cook, said the freezer locked-up that fateful Sunday, which resulted in a smoldering fire.

These days, the only thing burning at VJ’s is the grille.

As of March 13, the small-town eatery is once again going strong.

MENU

VJ’s menu is loaded with home-cooked meals including the catfish and jumbo shrimp dinner, the grilled chicken breast plate and the chicken fajitas.

Customers not looking for a huge feast can try the chicken finger or shrimp basket, pizza or wings.

Sandwiches consist of the club sandwich, the grilled chicken sandwich, the all-time favorite hamburger and much more.

VJ’s also has a kid-friendly menu filled with chicken fingers, popcorn shrimp, corndogs, grilled cheese and hot dogs.

A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are offered at the bar, including several types of beer, shots and specialty drinks.

ATMOSPHERE

VJ’s Restaurant is divided into two sides — smoking and non-smoking.

The non-smoking room is more of a family-oriented diner where parents and children can enjoy a nice, quiet meal. In the smoke-friendly room, customers can enjoy one of the many drinks offered at the bar.

Because it is located in the rural town of Shelby, VJ’s Restaurant mainly consists of locals.

Cook said she is hoping to promote more of a family-friendly atmosphere.

SERVICE

Almost every night of the week, VJ’s has something special to offer.

Monday night is kids’ night, where one child can eat free with one adult purchase.

Those looking for a good time can partake in happy hour on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Bikers will be happy to know that Wednesday nights are set-aside just for them.

FIND IT

2258 Highway 46

Shelby, Ala. 35143

670-0508

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – midnight;

Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.;

Sunday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m