FRANKLIN
Earva Sumblin announced on Tuesday afternoon that Mr. D’s in downtown Franklin would not be closing after Friday.

On Dec. 20, the paper published an announcement from Douglas “Mr. D” Sumblin, that the restaurant was closing, though no specific explanation of why was given. A few days later, Earva Sumblin said that the reasons were personal, and that the eatery would stay open through Dec. 31.

She will become the general manager, adding that the decision was made a few days ago.

“He [Douglas] had done such a wonderful job, and we did not want another empty place in downtown Franklin. My employees are wonderful, faithful and they’re a good team.”

The staff is preparing for a buffet on New Year’s Eve.

“We want to really serve Franklin and the surrounding area by providing a place where they can receive cooking like grandma used to make,” she said. “As my son says, ‘It is not just the food, but the experience,’ and we want to keep with the tradition.”

Earva Sumblin added that all-you-can-eat fish fry will return.