Story and photos by Cheryl Boutin
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When Jay Bee’s burned to the ground in 1999 locals in Lake Wales thought they had lost a favorite standby. However, after years of challenges and changes Jay Bee’s has reemerged from the ashes. Owner, Belinda Morgan, said rebuilding took a year and a half and had its unique challenges in permitting because of its location outside the city limits. Jay Bee’s is now located off of State Road 60 east of Lake Wales almost on the exact site that it had burned down on. Although it doesn’t enjoy the prestigious location of downtown Lake Wales restaurants, that doesn’t seem to keep locals from flocking here in droves.

When I went to dinner on Friday night, I soon found out why. Jay Bee’s offers home style cooking at family friendly prices. If you go on Friday or Saturday Night’s you can enjoy their King Cut Prime Rib Dinner which will melt in your mouth for under fifteen dollars a plate. But, you better get there as early as possible because they have been known to be sold out of it by the end of the night. Not to worry, though, there are plenty of other dinner specials available to tempt your taste buds from catfish to steaks. During the weekdays things are much slower paced and every day has its own special.

However, if you want a perfect place to bring your family or large gathering for a lunch then Jay Bee’s is it. Locals that are regulars to the restaurant have added to the history of Jay Bee’s décor by bringing in photos and memorabilia. They have also added to the local flavor of the restaurant and its menu, by naming sandwiches after themselves. Some examples of the sandwiches that have been named are: The Keen Burger, which is a double hamburger named for Keen’s dude ranch staff, The Lightsey Cattle Co. sandwich, a double bacon cheeseburger named after the cowboys who eat here, and my favorite, The Camp Mack, a retirement park favorite which is a steak sandwich so large it doesn’t even fit its bun.

Adding to the food and family atmosphere is Jay Bee’s staff of waitresses and cooks, many which have been with the restaurant since its beginning days. Belinda’s three daughters all lend a helping hand in the cooking and waiting of tables as well. Ashley Morgan, Belinda’s daughter, says “We are like one big family here.” Although nothing is in concrete, Belinda does hope her three daughters will help continue the restaurant in the family tradition.

Jay Bee’s restaurant in the 1980’s.

Jay Bee’s is named for Jim, Barbara and Belinda (the two B’s) . Belinda’s parents, now retired, came to Florida from Maryland and founded the restaurant in 1989. They purchased it as Ruby & Milt’s, a convenience store, gas station, and small eatery. They gutted the inside and decided to make it just a restaurant instead. Although Jim and Barbara Getson, Belinda’s parents, are now retired snowbirds, they pitch in around the place making pies and doing whatever they can when they come down from Maryland.

Some of the new features of the Jay Bee’s restaurant include its added seating capacity of 175 and its full bar. However, there are no plans in the works for more restaurants. “We have our hands full with this one,” Ashley said. Belinda is a hands on manager, who won’t hesitate to fill in when she‘s needed. “I’ll do whatever it takes,” she said about running the restaurant.

If you want to pay for good food and not a pricey atmosphere, then Jay Bee’s is the place to come. The food here is sure to fill you with comfort and satisfy your hunger. J. B’s is open Mon.-Thur. 7a.m. - 8p.m. and Fri. – Sat. 7a.m. - 9p.m. for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I suggest you join the locals for lunch one day and I’m sure ya’ll come back soon!

Jay Bee’s brand new building.