This is the story of our mother, Eleanor Clay, known lovingly by her grandchildren as “Weez.” We are honored to share how her hard work, resilience and dedication to the restaurant industry she loves have shaped her into the successful entrepreneur she is today.

Our mom turned 80 years old on May 4, 2025, and we celebrated her in a big way. More than 150 family members, friends, customers and community members came together to honor her, sharing memories and stories of how she has touched their lives, some for a lifetime.

Since opening Sylvan Park Restaurant in Murfreesboro in July 2015, her kindness, friendship and generosity have left a lasting impact on the community. Customers can still see Eleanor having dinner at the restaurant every Thursday and Friday evening, and at other times throughout each week.

Growing up, our mom had three brothers and one sister; today, only she and one brother remain. At a young age, she was forced to quit school in the 8th grade to help care for her siblings. When she was just 13, she and her siblings were removed from their mother’s care due to instability and other circumstances. She has often shared that she will never forget that day; the siblings huddled together in a bedroom, arms wrapped around one another, crying.

Despite a childhood that could have easily led her down a different path, our mom chose strength and perseverance, determined to rise above her circumstances and build a better life for herself and her family.

She married young and became the mother of four children. In 2002, she endured an unimaginable loss when our sister passed away after months of illness. Through every hardship, she continued to push forward with courage and grace.

Our mom spent many years working in restaurants and managing apartments, often struggling to make ends meet while raising her children. After working for others for so long, she decided to take a leap of faith and open her own restaurant in 1981.

Over the years, she owned multiple restaurants, at one point operating a chain of five across Nashville and surrounding areas. Of them all, Sylvan Park has truly stood the test of time.

In 2001, after many years of friendship, she acquired Sylvan Park Restaurant from its original owner, Lynn Chandler.

Today, Sylvan Park Restaurant in Murfreesboro, located at 1443 NW Broad St., is known for its classic meats and vegetables as well as delicious burgers, crispy fried catfish, and some of the best desserts you’ll ever taste. It is truly a family-owned restaurant where everyone pitches in—even customers at times.

Our older sister, Lisa, has led the way for many years, managing daily operations and preparing the incredible homemade desserts each morning. Lisa’s son, Cody, currently serves as head cook, keeping the kitchen running strong. Over the years, all of us have been involved, along with several grandchildren, including Cory, Ryan, Brandon and Chase. During the busy holiday seasons, the entire family jumps in to help with catering and preparing countless desserts.

To our longtime employees who play a vital role in Sylvan Park’s success, you are and always will be a part of our family.

Since opening in Murfreesboro, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people, loyal customers as well as new faces who quickly became friends. This restaurant has given us so much, but above all, we are deeply grateful for our customers. From the bottom of our hearts: THANK YOU!

Giving has always been at the heart of who our mom is. She built a successful life for herself and our family, and along the way, she taught us the importance of helping others. Despite her own difficult upbringing, she made sure to raise us with values of kindness, respect and compassion. She has helped countless people over the years, many anonymously, never expecting anything in return. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have all learned that if you have the ability to help someone, you should always do so.

Our mother is loved and respected by so many, and we wanted everyone to know just how special she truly is. She may be just another mom to some, but to those who love her, she is extraordinary.