Carol’s Country Cookin’

Carol’s Country Cookin’: A Quincy Staple

Bab Smith Murphy is the proud owner of Carol’s Country Cookin. Originally named in honor of and owned by her late mother, Carol Smith, the business is a staple in Quincy’s restaurant scene. Operations of the business began under the name “The SeaBoard Cafe”. The original location featured a pool hall, cafe and barbecue pit. It ran successfully under the direction of her parents, Carol and Junior Smith.

The expansion of the Pat Thomas Parkway led to buyouts of the neighboring parcels. Unfortunately, the business was forced to move, but rebranded in 1996 and is now located right off South Cleveland Street in Quincy, Florida.

These past few years have been especially challenging for the business. Hurricane Michael caused the restaurant to temporarily close from damage in 2018. Following its reopening, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new hardships for the service-based business.

“The support from everybody is still good. I sell out mostly every day… The community – they love their Carol’s.”

Bab Smith Murphy

Despite everything, Carol’s Country Cookin continues to thrive. Bab notes that she keeps her doors open to keep the legacy of her parents alive and continue playing an important part in the community. She is looking forward to the future of the business, with possibly expanding it by running a food truck, as she continues to find ways to bring her community together through soul food.

She is looking forward to the future of the business, with possibly expanding it by running a food truck, as she continues to find ways to bring her community together through soul food.