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
Countryside was opened at 8223 Mahan Gap Road, Ooltewah, in May 1990. At that time, our Ooltewah community was a bit less busy, quieter, and mostly scarcely inhabited. My father, David Green (with my mother, Imogene, was the founders of the Kreme House 1976-2007), was very involved in the building and almost ridiculed for selecting this particular location for a restaurant. But as he would always say, “if you provide good food and good service, they will drive.” Well, I guess you could say from our humble beginnings with four employees, plus my Mom and Dad, my sister, Maria Rogers, and my late husband, Ponder, we have steadily grown over the years to about 46 current employees!
After 35 years of business, I can honestly say we could not have continued to stay in business over the years without the support of our loyal customers. We have had the pleasure of getting to know our customers personally and consider it an honor when they come to visit with us.
Just like any business after 35 years, we now serve our original customers’ children and grandchildren, and it’s such an honor to watch the next generation enjoy home cooking.
We have endured many changes over the years, including COVID (2020) and Ponder’s passing (2023), but we feel confident that we can survive most anything because we have the support of our customers in our community, and we are proud to continue to offer good food and good service on the same premises which we were founded.
Looking forward to many more years!
Marlene Geren & Countryside Cafe Staff
Award-Winning Cooking and Southern Hospitality
Celebrating Over 30 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.
Customer Testimonials
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.
Ooltewah, TN 37363
Sunday: 10:30AM - 2:30PM
Closed Monday
