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Bonita’s Restaurant, located at 203 Church Street in Plains, has a new schedule, Friday from 7:00 am-3:30 pm mornings, and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm evenings. On Saturday, Bonita’s is open from 7:00 am-2:30 pm. On Sunday, Bonita’s opens at 11:30 and stays open until around 4 pm, or when the food runs out.

Owner Bonita Hightower gave an interview giving updates on the changes, while sharing what made Bonita’s special. Hightower uses family recipes from her mom, grandmom and aunt, often with her own spin. “I’m using some of my aunt’s recipes, some of my aunt’s suggestions, right here and now.”

In addition, Hightower feels a special calling due to the restaurant’s location to the late President Jimmy Carter’s home. Hightower considers those who come to the town guests of Jimmy Carter, which makes them her guests as well. “I’m honored to serve him. I don’t want to do anything short of excellence.”

While Hightower notes there are a few exceptions; “the bulk of my food is cooked from scratch by these hands.” She does the work herself. “I’m the only cook. My husband does our rib line.”

Hightower serves fresh garden salad, German potato salad with her own twist, and coleslaw. Cabbage and candy yams are some of her signature items. “My entrees that they really love, hamburger steak, smothered porkchops, fried porkchops, and of course, fried chicken and baked chicken too.” Hightower has three to four selections for vegetables on a typical Sunday. She is also learning to make vegan dishes. “I’m really evolving to meet all the different appetites.”

Hightower also specialized in made-from-scratch pound cakes. She has her own barbeque sauce, and does barbequed ribs, calico baked beans, sausage, peppers and onions. She also has pulled pork and pulled chicken. “My husband does that on the grill.”

Hightower does request that if a group of four or more plans to attend during the days she is open, that they call in advance. “I would appreciate that so I don’t run out of food.” She is also willing to open during off days for large gatherings of around 25 to 50 people.