March mellowed out early on its way to spring with showers late last week about our hometown forcing up early bulbs and business openings and a crop of new political signs.

The weather made me do it is my motto for the month to justify daily road trips to visit business operators, grand openings, and favorite food troughs about town.

It was a good week for food and eating, especially when working up an appetite in the garden during warm days near 70 degrees. Having heard that Arvis and Yvonne Keys were finally opening Hoo Ray's restaurant in the former Sportsman's bar and grill off Knoxville Highway, I drove over for a sneak preview and some free food to see what Arvis had accomplished in the renovation. As I mentioned weeks ago, he bought the property near the creek and alongside the National Bank of Tennessee's west branch. You old timers will remember when the Newport Drive-in Theater occupied most of the land there in the past of Harold Smith film exhibition era. Yes, Arvis has lived up to his reputation of doing a superb job when renovating property. When you walk into the lobby, the welcome space is the NASCAR nostalgia room and  next there is a Chat Room nook created by Yvonne with celebrity photos. The main dining area features a nicely decorated area with dance floor, TVs, and serving bar. The Keys' investment also means jobs for at least 12 to 15 people and that's a big plus in my mind for Newport with the gain of the improved property. It is more than two acres with outdoor space especially suited for music and activities when the weather warms. The menu is short and simple but very sweet to munch on. I had a pork barbecue with French fries. Although you can also get some of Billy Pat Cureton's famous recipe "Three-Pepper Cole Slaw," I passed because of the assorted peppers. Hamburgers are big and grilled from fresh beef on square rolls. There will be several cooks so food is served fast. The atmosphere probably won't be appreciated by younger patrons as the music is for older adults and surroundings harkening to the 50s and 60s in décor. Arvis said he served at least 125 free hamburgers last Thursday and packed the restaurant. The cheeseburger was the big star. He was pleased people came out to see what has been accomplished and hopes they will return. At least the $5 menu should help' hours are from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and later to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

During the recent longer winter days, soon to end, thankfully and mercifully on March 19, I've noticed construction of a small wooden building off Knoxville Highway not far past Betty and Marvin's Farm Market. By the way, the restaurant is reopened with same great food. I had chicken and dumplin's and recommended the dish to a couple at the next table. I found out he is Michael Clyburn, who works in northern West Virginia. He also is a part-time resident of Cosby where he owns a home.

The new construction is being done by Carl Gilland, someone I've known for many years as a retired postal worker. You have seen the old Pepsi's barbecue shed on his highway property. Pepsi Mason's health doesn't permit him to run the little roadside barbecue so Carl and his son-in-law, Jimmy Rea, took it over. Jimmy is married to Carl and Dortha's oldest daughter, Emma. He works at NGS in after school and preschool programs. Jimmy is an excellent cook, according to Carl who cites that Jimmy's mother, Mary, cooked for Jerry and Sharon Bryant when they ran the former Bryant Town Restaurant. Carl and his friend, David Campbell, took advantage of 60s weather last week to finish some building work. David is the son of pastor Earl Campbell, who oversees the congregation at the church off Locust Street. This is near two landmarks familiar to me: The City of Newport recycling center and Ty Cooper's house. Carl said the old Pepsi's shed had to be torn down and the new, larger one built. It had to be moved 12-feet west, too, because of a property line problem. The plan is to reopen under the same famous Uncle Pepsi's name in mid-April on the weekends. Thursday, Friday and Saturdays you will be able to savor the barbecue smoke of chicken and pulled pork as you drive by. Jimmy is also a carpenter and Carl is now semi-retired from his landscaping business he started with another daughter, Carla, years ago. At 66, Carl hasn't slowed much even thought he had heart surgery awhile back. His wife, the former Dortha Ellis, continues to work part-time at Victory Lanes Bowling alley. You will see a large brick house at the rear of the land where the 12-by-26-foot Uncle Pepsi's is going up. This is where Pepsi's daughter, Patti, lives-the brick house, not the barbecue stand.

You recall I shared the problem that Sheila Black Buckner was having after her daughter was in a serious vehicle accident near Hartford. Bettye Carver updated me to say "Thank you to those who have made donations to the Buckner family.  Sheila is so humble and very appreciative of everything that has been done so far." One of several children injured was released from the hospital.

In plain talk, time change today allows an extra hour of daylight to graze our favorite food spots and plant some greens.