Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter
In 1999, Robert McCollum was in the midst of a unique entrepreneurial journey, simultaneously running a wrecker service while offering to-go sandwiches from his office building. While the combination might seem strange to some, it came naturally to Robert. The wrecker service paid the bills, and the takeout model allowed him to hone his hobby. Coming from a family with a deep-rooted passion for cooking, however, Robert aspired to turn his culinary hobby into a full-fledged career. Thus, R&M Takeout came into existence, coexisting with his wrecker service until 2007, when he decided to pivot entirely towards a restaurant venture.
During this transitional phase, Robert serendipitously crossed paths with Ruby, who brought with her a wealth of experience as a dietary consultant spanning four and a half decades in local hospitals. After Robert and Ruby married, Ruby seamlessly integrated into the restaurant’s operations, supplementing Robert’s efforts. Despite the demanding nature of their work, both shared an unwavering zeal for the culinary arts.
Soon after, R&M Takeout became Breakfast Time. With this locally-loved establishment, the McCollums served breakfast, lunch, and dinner hot bars full of classic country cooking to the Jasper community daily. Dishes like fried green tomatoes, candied yams, succulent pork chops, and an array of fruit cobblers swiftly earned a place in the hearts and palates of their patrons. Drawing from cherished family recipes and innovating with their own culinary creations, the McCollums eventually began offering catering services, traveling around the state, and making memories the two will always cherish.
“As we started catering, it went well. We have catered for up to 400 people at one time,” Ruby recalls. “I remember once, we were coming back from catering a wedding in Selma. We were running out of gas, and we couldn’t find a service station anywhere. So, we finally got a hotel room and just spent the night. We’ve been on the road as late as one, two, even three in the morning because of catering!”
Over the years, Breakfast Time cultivated a loyal following comprising church groups, school organizations, and residents, each drawn to the warmth of its hospitality and the comforting allure of its cuisine. However, after a remarkable 25-year run, the McCollums made the bittersweet decision to bid farewell to their cherished establishment, culminating in one final Thanksgiving feast for the community.
“I’ve been having some health problems, and I’ve got to have knee surgery, so I just decided it was time to retire. But I do hope whoever buys the building will also keep it a restaurant and even serve the same kind of food that we have been serving,” says Robert.
As they embark on this new chapter, the McCollums look forward to embracing the joys of retirement, relishing the company of their children and grandchildren.
Throughout its tenure, Breakfast Time served as more than just a dining destination; it embodied the essence of country cooking, fostering connections and shared memories over the course of countless meals. As the doors close on this beloved establishment, its legacy will endure as a testament to the enduring power of good food and community spirit. WL
