Cutts -A family tradition of Excellence

Enterprise Ledger – July 26, 1998

Cutts Restaurant started out as Cutts Grocery back in March 1967, in Level Plains (pictured above). Hubert and Pearlie Bell Cutts, with their children, Larry and Lou Ellen, bought a full line country store with meat market, gas pumps, groceries and even a barber shop, There weren’t many places to eat so the Cutts invented the now famous Cutts Chili Dog, thus beginning Cutts Restaurant. In 1971, the family sold the grocery store in Level Plains and they decided to build some poultry houses. The Cutts opened Cutts Snack Bar in Enterprise in 1972.  It was an immediate hit. They expanded their menu to include all sorts of short order sandwiches and side orders. As time went on, Hubert and Pearlie Bell decided to retire. In 1979, Larry and Ellen bought the snack shack. In 1980, they moved the snack bar down the street to its present location. What is now just the kitchen was the entire restaurant. They expanded the menu and operating hours. “Cutts,” as most people call the restaurant, was doing great. In 1987, Larry and Ellen decided to add a large dining room and open a buffet for lunch. It was a hit. The buffet featured country cooking – four meats, 14 vegetables and a lot of desserts. The new dining room seated 160 people In 1992, due to his health, Larry retired. His son Rick, with wife Liane, bought the restaurant – the third generation of Cutts. The parking lot was expanded, new equipment purchased and a catering service launched. In 1994, Rick’s younger brother Steve moved home to work in the restaurant. Hours expanded from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. to 8 a.m. -9 p.m., including a late breakfast and dinner buffet.  The entire family is still heavily involve in the day-to-day operation of the business. (Special photo to the Enterprise Ledger)