One of Southern Spread’s signature dishes, the Rome - a gourmet grilled cheese, stuffed with crawfish, shrimp and cheese, served with a side of Rome Sauce for dipping.

The Southern Spread is spreading love and good food in Abbeville.

The restaurant, which opened up a year ago, is the second of its kind. Originally a food truck, the brick and mortar is located at 400 Charity Street in Abbeville, and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays for brunch.

The Southern Spread is owned by Jill Bernard, an Erath native and resident. Her love for baking was the genesis of the restaurant, which serves a variety of food. But they are known best for their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

“It’s kind of how it all started,” Bernard said. “Even before I had the food truck, we did festivals out of a pop-up tent.”

Their unique, one of a kind melty sandwiches are served alongside garlic truffle fries, cut fresh to order. Those items are currently on the menu, but its not all they serve to the residents of Abbeville.

The Southern Spread recently expanded their menu, adding home-made hamburgers, salads, soups, gumbo, chicken fried steak, hamburger steak, Greek chicken wraps, boudin egg rolls, and so much more, Bernard said.

“We sell a lot of grilled cheese, but our hamburger is our top seller,” Bernard said.

All of their food is locally sourced, taking advantage of the numerous farms and markets. Bernard said she prefers using ingredients that make all of her food taste better.

The Southern Spread also offers catering services, beverage service, private chef services, private parties and venue rental. The food truck is still available for bookings at private events and festivals.

Bernard said the Southern Spread isn’t just about the food. It’s about entertaining and making memories when you sit down to eat at the restaurant.

“I enjoy making magic for people,’ Bernard said. “It’s more about the feeling that people get when they come into the restaurant than it is about the food. The food is important, but the experience is what it’s all about.”

Bernard described the Southern Spread as a cozy, comfortable and inviting place for you and yours. When she was creating the restaurant last year, she wanted to remind you of the food truck, and what you felt while you were eating at an outside patio.

“They’re string lights on our ceiling, so it looks like a patio,” Bernard said. “We have a very different aesthetic, and it’s just a totally different vibe.”

Since the start, historic downtown Abbeville has played host to the Southern Spread, supporting the restaurant. The restaurant already had a large following, but adding to their regulars is helping to shape the business to what it is known for today.

“We have seen a lot of new faces since we’ve moved here,” Bernard said. “And a lot of people who didn’t even know we were here, so there is still a lot of room for growth, but it’s been great.”

The end-goal for the Southern Spread, Bernard said, is to offer a dining experience that captures the heart and soul of the community. From the food, to the people in it, the idea of togetherness is their purpose.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Southern Spread Can’t wait to welcome you.

“We believe that great food is best enjoyed with great company,” Bernard said. “We invite you to join us and experience the warmth and flavor yourself.”