John B’s

          Approximately 18 months ago after much thought and consideration, John and Betty Payne purchased the old Jeffries home located at 311 North Edmonds AV. in McCrory, Arkansas.  They began what seemed to be at times an overwhelming task of restoring this once grand old home to turn it into a beautiful restaurant.  “Gathering around the table has been a foundation of family life since our country’s frontier beginnings.  Laughter is heard, memories are made, and problems are solved while sharing a meal,” said John Payne.  He and his wife Betty have created a gracious gathering place at John B’s Steak House where people can pull up to the table to enjoy delicious meals and fellowship with family and friends. 

          Following the death of her husband, Octavius Edmond Jeffries, in 1885, Sarah Ross Jefferies continued raising her younger children and managing the family holdings while residing on their rural farm.  Around 1905, following the trend of other families, Sarah Ross Jeffries moved “off the farm” to the thriving town of McCrory where she built a spacious two story house for herself and her daughter Cora.  Sarah’s house was built across the alley from another daughter, Annie Jeffries Fakes.  The Fakes, Edmonds, and Jeffries Families were among some of the early settlers of McCrory. 

          The “L” shaped front porch to this stately home once again beckons visitors to “come rest a spell”.  The rooms of the home have been beautifully refinished with new paint, lavish wallpaper, and gleaming light fixtures that would have once complimented the home.  Each room contains pieces of antique furniture and bear the names “Plantation Room” “Crystal Room” “The Parlor”,  “The Ivy Room”,  “The Oak Room”, “The Tea Room”,  and “The Banquet Room”.  The Plantation Room is named for a piece of the original wallpaper that was uncovered during the restoration.  The Paynes have framed the paper and it now compliments the new wallpaper in the room.  The Paynes can seat 102 guests in the restaurant.  A cozy seating area at the stair landing on the second floor gives guests an opportunity to linger in the lovely surroundings.  A fully modern commercial kitchen has been added on to the back of the home.  The restaurant boasts the latest technology of wireless computers to aid servers in their food orders for the kitchen staff.  Wouldn’t Sarah Ross Jeffries be amazed at her old home?!