Huggin’ Molly’s

Specialties

Huggin’ Molly’s® is an old-​fashioned soda fountain and restaurant that lives up to the claim of being «frozen in the fifties.» Decorated with one-​of-​a-​kind antiques, the interior harkens back to another time — when drugstores had soda fountains with swivel stools and glass decanters full of brightly colored candies.

Because of its unique concept and décor, the restaurant has been featured in publications like American Lifestyles and Southern Living. Huggin’ Molly’s® was also named Alabama’s Best Soda Fountain by Alabama Magazine in 2012. The articles have inspired a number of out-​of-​towners to find their way to Abbeville to try the specialty sandwiches, banana splits, old-​fashioned malts and shakes, or the famous «Golly Molly.»

The restaurant features recipes from the 1950s that include the 431 Steak Sandwich (an original recipe from Lee’s Drive-​in, a local landmark and popular hangout for Eufaula teenagers in the 1950s and 1960s), the Three Points BLT, and the Chicken Salad. Owner Jimmy Rane is, of course, partial to several items named for members of his family, including Mr. Tony’s Diplomat (named for his father) and Miss Libba’s Caesar Salad (named for his mother). In addition, several sandwiches are named for Abbeville streets — streets that Huggin’ Molly might have frequented.

History

Established in 2006.

Huggin’ Molly’s® is named for the ghost that legend says once roamed the streets of Abbeville. The owner, Jimmy Rane, grew up hearing the legend of Huggin’ Molly. For him and his friends, she was as real as the trees that rustled in the wind at night.

The versions of who Huggin’ Molly actually was vary. But one frequent description depicts her as a giant of a woman, maybe 7 feet tall and as big around as a bale of cotton. Some say her ghost still walks the streets of Abbeville late in the night, sweeping her black skirt as she goes. If she happens upon you, she chases you down, gives you a huge hug and screams in your ear.

Choosing to name the restaurant for Huggin’ Molly ensures that one of Abbeville’s folk tales will continue to live on as well. Even today, children in Abbeville are told this story at a very early age. It has been passed down from generation to generation, and our hope is that our restaurant will help keep this this tradition alive and well for future generations.

Meet the Business Owner

Jimmy R.

Business Owner

Jimmy Rane is Chairman, President and CEO of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, the leading lumber treater in the United States. He is a lifelong resident of Abbeville, Alabama, which is home to Great Southern’s corporate headquarters.

Rane has a deep love for history and his hometown. In addition to Huggin’ Molly’s®, his other restoration projects include the Henry County Livestock Auction barn and arena, converting a Standard Oil gas station into office space for Great Southern Wood, renovating the original Rane Furniture and McSwean Clothier storefronts to appear as they did in the 1950s, the Archie Theatre marquee and the Bank of Henry which now serves as the Welcome Center and Abbeville Chamber of Commerce.