Carrie Faris opened Carrie's Corner Store & Cafe in Stephens in May 2022 and said this community “feels like family.” However, her mother’s eyesight has worsened from macular degeneration, so she decided it’s time for her to stay at home with “Nana.”
“As important as this was to me, I've only got one mom,” Faris said. “She’s been my best friend, even through teenage years. It’s my time to step up.”
Faris announced the change of ownership of her convenience store and restaurant business to Jay Patel in a Facebook post on Jan. 31.
“I want to thank everyone for three years of support and lifelong friendships. I couldn’t have done it without so many of you. I will forever be grateful and hope to run into you all again soon!!! Please go by and show your support to the new owner. Show him that community kindness,” the Carrie’s Corner Store & Cafe Facebook post said.
Patel, who lives in Monroe with his wife, Rosemary Patel, took the reins in the first week of February and has been learning how to run the business with help from Faris. She said the two met through a mutual friend and they had been talking with him for only a couple of months before the official close date on Jan. 31.
While Jay Patel has plans, he also wants to keep the core of the business the same. He said he hopes to incorporate more Hispanic foods like tacos, burritos and soup, as well as expand the beer selections. He said he likes it in the countryside — “folks and everything.”
“I just hope we can please everyone and have everything that they expect from us,” Rosemary Patel said. “We’re gonna do the best that we can to satisfy all our customers and get to know everybody well.”
Even though customers will see new faces serving the food, Faris wanted them to know chef Paulette Cade will still be in the kitchen. Jay Patel also mentioned plans to keep the kitchen open until 7 p.m., rather than closing at 3 p.m.
The Carrie’s Corner Store & Cafe Facebook account is one of the final things that needs to be transferred.
While Faris said she won’t be in the store every day, customers can still expect to see her around.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said.
Faris said she feels bittersweet about the change, but is confident Jay Patel will continue the legacy she started.
“(Customers) could come in, sit down, talk, watch TV, whatever,” Faris said. “I don't think (Patel) wants to change any of that. He really just wants it to continue running the way it was, and that's what made it easy for me to make the decision to do what I did.”