Act Of Faith Propels Woman To Open A Restaurant In Post-Tornado Hackleburg

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HACKLEBURG, ALABAMA (WCBI) –  This week the tiny town of Hackleburg, Alabama celebrated a milestone 4 years after a deadly tornado hit.  The town now has a new grocery store, and there is also a new business and as WCBI’s Allie Martin reports,  many believe it’s a sign that the west Alabama town is coming back stronger than ever.

For most of her adult life,  Judy Wolfe served on the mission field but when retirement brought her back to the states, she felt a calling to open a restaurant.

“I’ve never done anything in the food industry, I’ve never even been a waitress. I was sitting having my quiet time with the Lord one morning, I said, what am I supposed to be doing in Hackleburg?  I’ve been all over the world and He said how about that little bakery you’ve always wanted to open.?  I told Him if He would dump it in my lap I would do it,” Wolfe said.

The next day, Judy met the mayor, who promised to help her secure a $50,000  grant to help Hackleburg rebuild.

She chose a structure, which had been badly damaged in the tornado.   At one time, it was the Bank of Hackleburg,  and the vault and four walls were about all that was standing.   Judy decided to call the restaurant, “The Vault.”

Business has been good since “The Vault Bakery Cafe” opened in January.

“We’re excited for the whole town ,  the whole town is growing and building up, we’re excited about the daycare going to open across the street, the restaurant at the corner here, and the school is almost finished so Hackleburg is coming back to life,” Wolfe said.

“The Vault” serves lunch during the week and dinner on Friday.  It specializes in deli type sandwiches, along with salads, calzones, chicken baskets, and hamburgers, all made to order.   In fact, the restaurant was named one of the ten most unique dining establishments in Alabama by a statewide magazine.

The atmosphere, food and prices has made Casey Rogers of Hamilton a repeat customer.

“I enjoy eating here, the food is really good and the people are nice and overall it’s a great place to come eat,” Rogers said.

Casey and other diners also find another unique policy at the Vault,  tips are not accepted because Judy and her staff want to be a blessing to the community as it rebuilds.

The Vault is located at 323 Walker Street in Hackleburg.