FRANKLIN
Douglas Sumblin doesn’t see the relocation of his restaurant this past summer as a personal setback, but rather as an act of Providence.

“I feel it was God moving to do it,” Sumblin said of Mr. D’s Southern Kitchen and Catering going to downtown Franklin from its Armory Drive location, which he established in spring 2012. “It was a favor of God.”

The lease on his space was not renewed, though not — Sumblin said — for any reasons connected to him. While that might have been a consolation of sorts, it didn’t immediately solve the problem of what to do next.

“Wow, Lord! If you want me to be in another place… . The next thing I knew, I was talking to the owner of Simply Divine,” he added.

Liz Britt is to whom Sumblin referred. This past summer she decided to retire — albeit rather suddenly — which left available the spot on Main Street and First Avenue.

Within several weeks, he was back in business and in a bigger location to boot. A larger restaurant means more people to serve. To accommodate varied tastes, the menu has been expanded, such as the crab cakes made from his own family recipe.

The buffet planned for Thanksgiving will also be extensive.

“Everyone is welcome. Come see Tom [Turkey] and all his favorites: chitterlings, banana pudding, ham, mashed potatoes, yams,” Sumblin said in listing a few of the items for that day.

Speaking of holidays, there’s no decision on whether or not Mr. D’s will be open for Christmas, especially since his catering business continues.

“We have a lot of Christmas events on the books already,” Sumblin said, and added there’s a tentative plan to serve a breakfast buffet at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

He’s quick to point out that what’s on the menu isn’t enough to be successful.

“It’s not just about the food, but the guests having a wonderful experience when they come into Mr. D’s. It’s all about service. I can’t stress that enough,” Sumblin said. “But the thing is we try to do all we can to provide the best customer service.”

Making both the holidays and regular occasions worth visiting is the team at Mr. D’s.

“I have some wonderful staff that came over from the previous owner,” he said. “They are outstanding and a breath of fresh air. Everyone works together. We have a good staff — a good team. Sometimes I’m just breathless.”

As mentioned at the start, Sumblin’s faith is important to him, as is his family. His mother, Earva Sumblin, is the pastor of Touch Christian Ministries, to which he belongs.

Above all, he’s grateful for the new opportunity — a feeling that Sumblin expressed at the grand opening last week. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, he sang “To God be the glory.”

“To God be the glory for all the things He’s done,” Sumblin sang.

Mr. D’s Southern Kitchen and Catering is located at 102 N. Main St., Franklin. The restaurant is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday; closed Tuesday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Seniors aged 60 and older get a 10 percent discount on Wednesday. Call 569-7544 for more information or reservations.