What drives Café Royale to be the best?

The driving force behind the decision to open Café Royale was really a “driving force.” Owner Polly Green once raced Porsches and to support her passion, she decided to expand her business ventures.

She already had built Stemley Chevron and Stemley Chevron Grille on Alabama 34 in Talladega County, so it was a natural progression to buy Café Royale on the historic courthouse square in downtown Talladega, a landmark since 2003.

Polly grew up in Oxford, Alabama, but moved away for a time. Having always treasured the times she spent on Logan Martin Lake at her family’s lake home, she wanted to move back to the area and invest in the community. “I summered out there, so I knew food would go over.”

She started out with pizzas, added hamburgers and then Philly Cheese Steaks. As each did exceptionally well, she would add another menu item.

Pretty soon, she saw an opportunity to capitalize on a potential breakfast crowd, so she added a full line of breakfast fare. She was right. Reviews on social media and word-of-mouth dub it “the best breakfast around!”

Polly didn’t just happen into the business. Her family owned convenience stores, so Stemley Chevron – created and designed by her and built from the ground up – was an ideal choice for her foray into the business. And the Grille was a plus for her and the surrounding area hungry for good food.

That was in January 2000. In October 2003, she opened the doors to Café Royale, an upscale eatery on the historic square, much to the delight of the ‘courthouse crowd,’ Talladegans and visitors alike.

Café Royale specializes in made from scratch salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts in a quiet and quaint atmosphere, perfect for meeting friends and entertaining business clients. It’s not your ‘meat and three,’ it’s good food, prepared quickly that you’re not likely to get anywhere else in the region.

Specials, like Polly’s homemade shrimp salad and Italian Wedding Soup or a heaping Tom Terrific turkey sandwich, sure to please any palate, will have you returning for more.

Just like her racing days, Polly puts her passion to work, always pushing for excellence. “We attract the very best employees in the business,” she said, noting that many of her employees have been with her for years.

Whether it’s Café Royale or Stemley Chevron Grille, her philosophy is the same: “Success is in the details. You’re only as good as the last sandwich or meal you served.”

And, it’s a people business through and through. “People really do come for the camaraderie,” she said. “We may be the only bright spot in their day. You have two minutes to make a difference.”

Make it count. She and her staff certainly have.