Blake’s Restaurant

Location

Blake’s Restaurant, Candor In 1947, when Colon Blake came back from Army service in France during World War II, he opened Blake’s Restaurant in Candor. At first, he bought an old truck stop, fixed it up, and opened a new restaurant. Then, in about 1955, he built a new structure right beside old U.S. Hwy. 220 where it ran through Candor. The restaurant became a community gathering place and one of the best places to stop on that north-south route that runs right through the middle of North Carolina. About 25 years ago, when U.S. Hwy. 220 Bypass was built around Candor, Blake saw the handwriting on the wall. So he had his restaurant building moved the half-mile or so from the center of Candor to its current location, where the bypass (now the new interstate) intersects with N.C. Hwy. 211. I remember when I visited him a few years ago, Blake encouraged me to order the chicken potpie, saying I ought not to pass it up, but I selected another one of the specials. My fried chicken, butter beans, corn, and mashed potatoes were mighty good, and after I finished my special plate, Blake told me to try the coconut cream pie. When I said I’m full, he said, “No, you have to try it. I’m going to pay for your dessert.” That is a hard offer to resist, so I try that coconut cream pie. Made on the premises, it is as good a dessert as I can ever remember having. When Blake became seriously ill in 2007, his staff and family rallied to show him that, thanks to his mentoring, they would be able to keep his restaurant going strong, even if he were not there every minute to check on things. And after his death in 2008 they continue to serve his many friends.
(910) 974-7503
Hrs: Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 7 a.m.-2 p.m.