Enterprise restaurant wins Farm City award

By Kelly Tabor

Published: November 12, 2008

They’re Po but they’re proud, as their sign says.

Enterprise restaurant PoFolks will be honored with the Business of the Year award at the Farm City awards ceremony Thursday.

The winner was chosen by the Farm City Committee, a group made up of members of the Enterprise and Elba Chambers of Commerce. Coffee County Extension Coordinator Stan Windham said the committee had several worthy businesses to choose from, but the restaurant and owner Ron Jones stood out from the crowd.

“We get together and nominate a business each year and this year it was unanimous,” said Windham. “Many names were brought up, but there was only one that everybody thought should have it.”

Windham said after looking at the criteria, the committee agreed PoFolks deserved to win for several reasons.

“The longevity of the business and the level of service are all outstanding,” said Windham. “Also Ron’s dedication to the community is notable. The award is our way of saying, ‘Atta boy!’ or ‘Atta girl!’. Everybody likes to be recognized for their efforts.”

The award comes with with a few benefits, Windham said, including local publicity.

“It’s a shot in the arm,” he said. “People may say, ‘Gee, we should go after church on Sunday.’ Plus, it’s a morale boost. All the employees can share in the pride and Lord knows they need it in this time we live in.”

Jones, who has also won the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce’s Hospitality Award, opened PoFolks in 1996 after previously owning the Western Steer Family Restaurant at the same Boll Weevil Circle location. He said he was excited to share the good news with his employees, but expressed his modesty at being chosen for the business award.

“It’s neat, but we’ve always been focused on our customers and the community,” said Jones. “If we’re doing something extraordinary, I haven’t really noticed it. In this economy, we’re just trying to survive.”

Jones said when he is not speaking to job-seeking students at Enterprise-Ozark Community College, he keeps busy hosting meetings for local organizations such as the Lion’s Club and the Rotary Club. He said PoFolks also supports the local Red Cross, Alabama Power and rescue workers during hurricanes and tornadoes.

The Farm City Committee will also be presenting the Industry of the Year award, which was given to the Elba General Hospital and Nursing Home. Windham said all Coffee County companies and businesses are eligible for the honor.

“It’s not about the money they net,” said Windham. “Whether they make $40,000 or $1 million, they’re still good people.”