About Countryside
Family Ties with Southern Roots
For three decades, Countryside Cafe has been a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of the South and a warm welcome to all who enter. Join us and become a part of our family, and experience the enduring legacy of our Southern hospitality.
Brandy Waits
Meet our new GM Brandy Waits. Brandy joined our management team last year. She was a long-time patron turned team member. She has strong roots and ties to the community, graduating from Ooltewah High School class of 2004 and then Chatt State 2007. She has a degree in Hospitality and Financial Management and has been in the industry for 25 years. She joined our management team to help Marlene after the passing of our beloved Ponder in 2023. Brandy takes pride in creating a warm, welcoming space where great food and friendly service bring people together. A hard-working leader who treats every guest like family, she's deeply committed to supporting her team and the local community that makes the restaurant feel like home. So, stop on in and meet her and the team.
Our History
Established in 1990, Countryside has always thrived on its family recipes and home-style atmosphere. You may remember the Kreme House in "downtown" Ooltewah. This was owned by Marlene Geren's parents who taught her many valuable lessons about running a successful restaurant business. Marlene has maintained the same style foods on the Countryside menu that were offered at the Kreme House.
Learn More!
Award-Winning Cooking and Southern Hospitality
We are proud to have received several awards and recognitions, including the "Best of the Best Country Cooking" for 10 consecutive years and the 2022 "Best of the Best Catering" by the Chattanooga Times Free Press. These awards are a testament to our commitment to quality food and service, and we are honored to be recognized by industry professionals and our loyal customers.
Check out our most recent perfect health inspection score
Celebrating Over 35 Years of Country Cooking
Founded by Ponder and Marlene, Countryside Café has been a “well-known secret” among residents of Ooltewah, Cleveland, and Chattanooga, TN since it first opened. The couple poured their hearts into the restaurant, creating a space where guests feel like family. Known for their warm smiles and genuine hospitality, Ponder and Marlene were often seen visiting with customers—both new and regular—making everyone feel right at home.
Ponder passed away in 2023 and is deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, community, and Southern comfort lives on in every corner of the café. Marlene continues to be a steady and loving presence at Countryside, greeting guests with the same warmth and care that have made the café a local treasure for so many years.
Contact us
Countryside Cafe is a local, southern, country-cooking restaurant located in Ooltewah, TN. We specialize in a wide variety of meats, vegetables, and desserts made from fresh ingredients because we know our dishes are only as good as the beginning product.
Phone
Location
Ooltewah, TN 37363
