Alec Duncan (left) and Kelly George (right) flank Edna Cunningham who owns EJ’s Restaurant in downtown Chester. Cunningham is retiring and has sold the restaurant to Duncan and George, who will rename it Family Kitchen and Smokehouse when they reopen the establishment on March 23. The last day as EJ’s will be March 17. (Special to The Review/Stephanie Ujhelyi)

In addition to carrying much of the favorites from EJ’s previous menu, the Family Kitchen and Smokehouse will be introducing favorites like brisket as well as a line of rubs and barbecue sauces. (Submitted photo)

Almost five months later, the change of ownership — and moniker –will occur as EJ’s becomes the Family Kitchen and Smokehouse just in time for the Easter holiday.

Alec Duncan, one of the restaurant’s new co-owners, said although there will be some changes on the menu, a lot of the EJ’s restaurant will stay the same. “We will continue to serve made-from-scratch sides, but we are adding smoked meats like ribs, brisket, sausage and pulled pork,” he explained.

All the menu items are named after family members, such as Paul’s Baby Back Ribs.

Cunningham acquired EJ’s Restaurant six years ago with a focus of family home cooking and developing a cozy and warmer atmosphere. It previously had been Crickers and Tom’s Country Kitchen restaurant.

With a seating capacity of 125 in the main dining area, there also is a banquet room that can be reserved if available.

It is important make customers feel like part of extended family, Duncan and business partner Kelly George explained.

EJ’s last day will be March 17. Then a week later, the restaurant owns its doors, as the Family Kitchen and Smokehouse.

Duncan has xperience in the food industry, operating a catering business for the last few years. When EJs became available, he and George decided to take the brick-and-mortar plunge.

His favorite EJ’s dish? The roast beef was a must-have on the Family Kitchen and Smokehouse’s menu. No sliced lunch meat here — real chuck roast, Cunningham acknowledged.

Cunningham doesn’t have any huge plans upon hanging up her potholders. She did say that she would like to do some traveling (with the beach as her first destination). Assisting with the care of a family member also is a top priority. “I’ve appreciated everyone’s support and generosity over the years,” she added.

The Family Kitchen and Smokehouse will continue the EJ’s tradition of offering not only all-day breakfast but a breakfast buffet on Sundays and a buffet complete with ham, pork loin and a carving station on Easter Sunday which is March 31.

“Edna has built a great legacy here,” Duncan continued. “We are trying our best to keep it alive, and we are so excited to get started.”

Family Kitchen’s hours will be 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.

Many of EJ’s employees are returning as staff for the Family Kitchen and Smokehouse. But the restaurant still is looking to fill openings.

Applications are available at the front counter at their establishment, which is located at 817 Carolina Ave. Phone contact is 304-387-2799. A website still is under construction; however, there is a Facebook page.