By: Eddy Gifford, Publisher

A lot of people dream of owning their own business but never realize that dream.

That’s not the case for Michael Ryan as he opened Trenton’s newest eating establishment recently, The Square Meal.

Appropriately located on the Courthouse Square in Trenton, The Square Meal is unlike anything Trenton has to offer. Everything from square plates to square biscuits makes this a unique dining experience for breakfast and lunch.

Ryan started in the restaurant business 10 years ago and has dreamed of opening a restaurant in Trenton for a long time. Growing up in Dade County but working in Chattanooga for several years he felt he had become disconnected from many of his friends.

“I have wanted to come back home to the people I grew up with and get to know everyone again and offer them quality service and great food in a fine dining experience,” Ryan stated.

Completely redoing the old Brock’s Restaurant, Ryan has combined local art throughout the restaurant, highlighted along the walls offering the artist a place to display and sell their wares.

When you look at the menu you will find things such as the Chicken Coop, the Breakfast on the Square, the Mini Square, pancakes and oatmeal for breakfast and such thing as the State of Dade Burger, The Mad Hen and Granddaddy’s Garden Salad for lunch.

“We serve everything fresh and have worked hard to cut serving times to 10 minutes or so to get those in a hurry but also welcome those who want to spend more time enjoying their meal,” Ryan said.

While perfecting their original menu items, Brooks Landers, the chef responsible for all the great food, and Michael are always trying new things and adding the best ones to the menu.

A recent addition is the Bob Barker Burger, a vegetarian item that is now a popular menu item.

“Brooks and I have been friends since high school and worked together for a long time. We are having a blast with The Square Meal,” Ryan said, “and we hope to see everyone have a great dining experience.”

The Square Meal also bakes their own pastries daily with a variety of bran muffins, cinnamon rolls and other popular items.

“Service is a big issue with us and I think we have a great staff. We don’t have order takers; we have servers – and very good ones!” Ryan added.

Very soon The Square Meal will be opening on Friday and Saturday evenings and also opening for a Sunday brunch. Exact hours and menus have not been completed but Ryan says he looks forward to serving an expanded clientele with the new hours. The restaurant will soon be closed on Monday and Tuesday however.