HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Are you looking for a restaurant with a “blast to the past” dining experience? How about Southern entrées that are made fresh? If you answered “yes” to either question, then Pop’s Cafe in Hanceville is your next stop!
Pop’s Cafe is owned by Cullman native, Craig Parker. He was born in Cullman and attended Wallace State Community College. After college, he moved away for roughly 20 years, during which he worked in the restaurant business in cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Mobile.
He opened the cafe in May 2022 in honor of his father, Joseph Andrew Parker, also known as “Pop,” who was born in Hollywood, Florida and served in the National Guard there from 1948-1949. He went on to join the Air Force (1950-1960), serving in the Korean War from 1950-1953. Though Pop passed away eight years ago, his memory lives on at Pop’s Cafe.
The restaurant is a tribute to Pop, but it also honors tradition. Applications for the restaurant are not posted online. Parker said he prefers to speak with the people he hires face to face rather than to go off resumes alone. He often places ads in local papers with instructions to simply come during business hours and ask for him.
The restaurant features chrome accent countertops that were very prominent in 1950s dining. From the bold red barstool chairs to the checkered tile walls and floors, the decor is timeless mid-century American style.
When asked about popular menu items, Parker said, “For breakfast we have pancakes; people love our pancakes. Then we make waffles, omelets…which we make really fluffy. Ya know, all the traditional stuff like ham, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns – all the traditional foods. We have meatloaf every day because customers really love it, and fried pork chops.”
He continued, “We rotate chicken and dumplings, dressing, vegetable soup and other items like that. We’ve got a lot of elderly that come in here and they love and want fresh, home-cooked stuff.”
Pop’s also makes fresh cakes daily. There are usually three on display on the main bar. The most popular is the German chocolate cake, but they also rotate between strawberry, coconut, butter pecan or pound cakes.
Parker advised that they do take food requests. So if there is something you are hankering for he suggests calling to put in the request and they will get back with you regarding what day it will be served.
Pop’s Café is currently open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
It recently announced new Saturday hours coming Feb. 21, 2026. There is no set time yet, but keep an eye on www.facebook.com/popscafehanceville.
Pop’s Cafe is located at 814 Main St. NE, Hanceville, Alabama 35077. Get more information at 256-887-1035 or craigparker.popscafe@gmail.com.
