MARION- Known in town as an attorney, Robert Turner has decided to add another title to his name- restaurant owner.

Turner has purchased the property across from the Marion-Perry County Library to renovate into Lottie’s, a southern restaurant.

Lottie is Turner’s mother’s name and the restaurant is the definition of a family owned and operated business.

The contractor is Tamara Turner, Robert’s niece and the manager is Byron Turner, Robert’s son.

“We’re trying to finish it now,” Tamara said. “We are maybe looking at a Labor Day opening.”

Tamara said there will be a private dining room where the restaurant can host receptions and banquets and a open area for live entertainment on certain nights.

In the kitchen there is an open barbecue pit where Byron said they will cook ribs and chicken, among other menu items.

Byron said side-items such as fries, corn-on-the-cob, and macaroni and cheese will be served regularly.

“On Sundays we will have turkey, dressing and other items that are not on the menu,” he said.

Byron said his father decided to open a restaurant in Marion because people were saying there wasn’t a “sit-down restaurant” in Marion.

But, according to him, Marion residents will soon have a place to go eat a “good home-cooked, home-style meal” in an atmosphere that is “family oriented.”