The Bricks opens in Russellville

The Bricks is now open.

Opening day for The Bricks Inn and Restaurant, located in downtown Russellville, was Feb. 19.

Feb. 16-17, the restaurant had the chance to flex its wings and test out full dining services on a select few guests for a soft opening. Chef Ryan Matthews said he is excited about the opening and the chance to give Franklin County what he calls “contemporary Southern cuisine.”

Matthews has been a chef for 35 years. Most of his time has been spent in Alabama, but before moving to Russellville and becoming the chef for The Bricks, he and his wife lived in Virginia, where he worked for about a year and a half.

“I have a friend in Russellville, and he knew that we were ready for a change. He introduced us to Trent, and the rest, as they say, is history,” Matthews said.

Matthews has done a little bit of everything as a chef, from working at hotels, resorts and country clubs to enjoying restaurant ownership. About 15 years ago Matthews sold his restaurant Steak Out, which had locations in Florence, Sheffield and Atlanta.

The menu Matthews has cultivated includes a wide variety of items, from steak salad to Alabama white sauce wings to shrimp and grits. There is also a dessert menu and, on Sundays, a brunch menu.

“Our goal is to offer good food at a reasonable price. I wanted to offer a wide variety with options at different price points,” Matthews said.

For those who are vegetarian or who have certain dietary concerns or needs, owner Trent Stephenson said he and Matthews have taken that into consideration and have provided vegetarian options. Matthews said he will also be able to modify certain dishes upon request to make them vegetarian.

“We’ve gotten a lot of requests about that, and we’re listening,” Stephenson said.

Matthews said using local ingredients and products is one of his passions. One way he has incorporated that into the restaurant is his use of Alabama-raised pork from Southeast Family Farms for his pork chop dish. He also uses handmade corn tortillas from a local Russellville business for his beef and pork tacos, and the Conecuh sausage he uses is made in Alabama.

Matthews has also incorporated a little historical twist into the physical menu. At the bottom of the menu is pictured a snake image with the words “Eat, or Die,” which he said is in homage to Benjamin Franklin, after whom Franklin County is named, who drew the famous political cartoon “Join, or Die.”