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Weekly 150: Carmack’s Fish Barn

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It’s not uncommon to watch restaurants come and go over time for whatever reason, but Sunday’s fire at Carmack’s Fish Barn in Cottage Grove is heartbreaking. Since opening its doors in 1984, the restaurant has been a staple of Henry County cuisine.

We moved to McKenzie about the time of its opening. My first memory of eating at a restaurant was there as we were invited by Max Manley to join him and Beth for dinner. 37 years later, the memory makes me a little melancholy as the future of Carmack’s is uncertain.

Carmack’s was something of a reward growing up. We didn’t eat out a lot, but when we did it was a treat, especially at Carmack’s. Part of the treat was the trip to Carmack’s as we always took the winding road through Caledonia and to Como. There was just a certain level of serenity you got from the trip.

I can remember back behind the counter the room with souvenirs and other miscellaneous items. If my memory doesn’t fail me, in my parents’ attic there should be a stuffed potato in a tater sack advertising Carmack’s Fish Barn... now I really hope it’s still there.

In the last seven years, it seems I find myself on Como Road more frequently as I have become a husband and father telling stories about my life and what I know of the back roads.Saturday evening as we were busy with life, our children and working to establish our new home, Brittany and I had Carmack’s to-go thanks to the in-laws. After hearing the news this morning, I went to the refrigerator to grab creamer for my cup of coffee and there were the leftovers of what I couldn’t eat on Saturday.

Monday’s dinner of catfish, hushpuppies and white beans will definitely be savored and remembered with fondness.

The Martins and Washburns send our condolences and prayers to Kaylene Radford and everyone at Carmack’s Fish Barn.