Local restaurant to close after nearly 40 years

Jerry Huckleba and his wife, Donna, the owners of Jerry’s Country Corner in Clifton, hold a poem that one of their regular customers wrote for them Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, on their final day open. The Hucklebas are closing their restaurant, which has become a landmark, after 39 years. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Jerry Huckleba and his wife, Donna, the owners of Jerry’s Country Corner in Clifton, hold a poem that one of their regular customers wrote for them Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, on their final day open. The Hucklebas are closing their restaurant, which has become a landmark, after 39 years. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Jerry’s Country Corner, a popular breakfast and lunch spot located on the border of Clark and Greene counties, closed its doors Wednesday.

Jerry and Donna Huckleba opened their Clifton restaurant, located on Route 72, roughly 39 years ago.

Donna Huckleba said the building will be changing hands. She did not share who the new owners of the property will be, but said she hopes they will keep the location a place where people can come for food.

The sale is expected to be finalized on Thursday, Huckleba said.

Jerry Huckleba said he will miss his customers he has met over the years, many of whom are regulars who come back for lunch after eating breakfast at Jerry’s.

After the restaurant’s closure, Donna said she and her husband hope to spend their time traveling in the coming years.

One customer wrote a poem for the couple to thank them for happy memories at the restaurant.

“This table will soon be empty/ But one thing is for sure,” the poet wrote. “Those who sat around the table/ Will be your friends forevermore!”

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