Sun Country Inn & Country Express

BY JACLYN ROSE –

Twenty-five years ago, in November of 1990, The Country Express was opened at 1146 Highway 71 South in Mena, at the corner of Bethesda and Highway 71. This full service fueling station and convenience store offers four types of gasoline, one with ethanol and three without, and received new fuel pumps last year. More than your average service station, though, they are also a restaurant and catering business. Specializing in catfish and BBQ, including baby back ribs, coleslaw, baked beans and a variety of sides, they also serve burgers and breakfast. Years ago, they began catering and in the last few years expanded this area of their business by adding a catering trailer, which is a kitchen on wheels. “We added the truck so that we can accommodate larger groups. We are fully self-contained and can cook on site. We can provide electricity without disturbing the crowd and can fry catfish on site, so the food is hot and fresh,” explained Eugene Taff, owner. The County Express is happy to partner with other local businesses to work together to better serve their catering customers.

The Country Express is managed by local resident, Tuny Hunt, and is opened from 5:30 am until 8:30 pm, Monday through Saturday.

In addition to The Country Express, Taff also opened The Sun Country Inn, a 60-room motel, located at 1309 Highway 71 North in 1995. This hotel works hard to accommodate people for local events and offers a quality product with an emphasis in customer service, and exceptionally clean rooms.

At the Sun Country Inn, upgrades are an ever-continuing process. “This year we re-plastered the pool and we freshen the place up daily, maintenance is a continued operation,” said Taff. “We are daily making changes and updating and making things new and upgraded,” added Lora Rawlings, one of the two managers of The Sun Country Inn, with Ashley Patton being the other.

The people that visit both businesses are fascinating, especially for a small community. “One day not long ago, I had guests from France, Germany, and China, as well as a local couple from the area and they were all in the lobby talking in their own languages. I thought, only at the Sun Country Inn would I be able to have this experience in Polk County, Arkansas,” said Rawlings with a laugh.

Between the two businesses, Taff employs around 30 people and is quick to explain that he could not do anything without his capable and dedicated employees. Taff also believes that the community works best when everyone works together. “We have to have the public, they don’t have to have us. I like the people in Polk County, and the mountains. I’m really proud that we have Rich Mountain Community College and a good city and county government. Queen Wilhelmina State Park and The Talimena Scenic Drive are great assets to our community, as is the Mena Airport. Without everybody working together, we wouldn’t have anything. I really appreciate Mark Hobson and KENA, Mena Radio and the people of Mena and Polk County for keeping us in business for 25 years,” Taff said.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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