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Elevating Ella’s
Renovations add modernity to burger joint
By Amanda M. Usher
D
ishing out handmade burgers weekly, the eatery
known as Ella’s Top Corral has been serving the
community for more than 40 years.
Voted Best Burger of South Georgia twice, the
fast casual restaurant also caters to customers’ taste for
hot dogs, milk shakes and fries.
The establishment opened initially in 1976 as Top
Corral offering a Western atmosphere, said Nicholas
Perry, general manager.
Ella Brown took ownership of the company follow-
ing several years of being an employee.
Joining the staff as a cashier, Brown started working
at the fast-food restaurant in 1977 prior to becoming an
assistant manager in the 1980s.
From 1990s to the 2000s, Brown became a general
manager with responsibilities of overseeing employees,
payroll and overall restaurant operation.
It wasn’t until 2006 when she was asked to purchase
the restaurant from its former owners.
“Our food has been a staple for customers in the
area for more than 40 years, the love and quality we put
into our food will never change,” Brown is quoted on the
restaurant website.
“We are unique in that we offer fast, counter ser-
vices and delicious food options in a modern, sit-down
environment.”
With some additions and subtractions, the origi-
nal recipe for menu items has stayed the same since its
inception, Perry said.
The last couple of years has provided growth and
change for Ella’s starting with revamping the Western
theme.
The lassos that were once symbolic of wrangling
in customers have disappeared, as did the cowboy wall
photos and signature logos.
The red and yellow benches that once lent them-
selves to seating as customers ate have been replaced
with a more modern look.
New ceilings and lights have been installed.
Mirrors, artwork, creme-colored wall benches and
40
Trendsetters | Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce
Ella Brown is owner of Ella’s Top Corral. Photo by Amanda M. Usher
individual hardwood tables set the scene for the busi-
ness.
“The remodel brought more personalization and
more of an at-home experience when you come in,”
Perry said.
With a more down-home appearance, Ella’s has
shifted the focus of its menu slightly.
The debut of a happy-hour menu in August 2019
offers convenience, said Kyle Webb, marketing director.
Perry said the goal of happy hour, which is 3-5 p.m.
daily, is to increase sales for popular foods.
Items include $1 four-piece chicken nuggets, golden
fries, a foot-long hot dog, drinks and turnovers.
Choices of turnovers are apple and strawberry.
The strawberry turnover is half cream cheese/half
strawberry and fried.
“The apple turnover reminds you of an apple pie
but it’s a turnover with a flaky golden crust,” Perry said.
Loaded fries with jalapenos, nacho cheese, bacon
and chili has recently added to the full menu while corn
dogs have been removed as they weren’t a selling item.
Webb said staff has also introduced a drive-thru in
July 2019, contributing to improvements of the restau-
rant.