Acres & Oak Kitchen - 2022 Small Business Rock Star

Macon, Georgia-born Acres & Oak Kitchen, which serves prepared family-style meals, is the product of 29 years of growth and evolution by several business owners who share a love of community and good Southern comfort food.

The journey started in 1993, when Allison and Chris Carroll started a home-based catering business in Macon, eventually opening their first retail store in 1997. At “The Casserole Shop,” the couple dished out to-go casseroles for years, eventually relocating to a different part of the city and acquiring a new owner, Tonya Sadler, in 2010.

Sadler’s mission was to “expand the comfort food choices and services for the loyal customer following,” and to do it - she needed something sweet! One year into business ownership, Sadler blended a local cake shop, Caroletta’s Cakes, into the mix. The Casserole Shop was now serving up cakes, cheese straws, and cookies in addition to their savory meals. This was a hit!

The customer base grew alongside the expansion of their menu items.

When 2019 came around, it was time for another evolution. Sadler’s son, Evan Acres, purchased the business and opened up a second location in Perry. In 2021, the team decided that “The Casserole Shop” was no longer a fitting name, and “Acres & Oak Kitchen” was born.

“Acres” comes from Evan and wife Erika’s last name, while the “Oak” represents the supper table where a good portion of a Southerner’s life takes place and a place the company takes pride in serving their customers.

With locations in Macon, Tifton, and Perry, their teams take pride in not only nourishing their communities with meals, but also giving back through their "Acres of Giving" program. Through this program, they donate 1% of their sales to a different local recipient each month.

“It is our desire to continue serving our customers through remarkable service and food for years to come. Even more, it is our desire to be the avenue in which you are able to serve another,” shared Evan via their website.

Family to family, one generation to the next, Acres & Oak Kitchen is a testament to where hard work, resiliency, and good food can lead you. We are proud to call this small, family-based company a Georgia Small Business Rock Star!

Learn more about Acres & Oak Kitchen, and see them receiving their award here: