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PORT NECHES — The Feed Store in Port Neches is planning to expand its kitchen and dining area in three phases for a 2021 completion date.

The Feed Store, 301 Grigsby Ave., opened in October 2016 as a casual family-style restaurant.

Owner Jonathan Barnett said the restaurant is outgrowing its current capacity.

“Prior to the onset of the coronavirus, our business was steadily growing everyday and there have been times when we’ve run out of food or weren’t able to prepare enough,” Barnett said. “We are unable to prepare as many meals as the demand is asking for, so we are expanding to be able to serve our customers better and support our catering.”

Barnett is hoping to start phase one of renovations within the next 45 days.

The project will begin by increasing the current kitchen, which is approximately 200 square feet to three times its size at 700 square feet.

The second phase includes increasing the dining room capacity by adding on to the existing building.

The current space seats approximately 50 patrons. Seating for as much as 30 more will be added.

Phase three is improving the parking lot and making concrete repairs for easy and more convenient access for curbside customers.

The second and third phases will begin in 2021.

Barnett said the expansion follow an abundance of customer loyalty and consistency.

“We have amazing service and good food,” he said. “It’s just great meals in a really confortable, casual environment where everyone is treated like family.”

The Feed Store serves home-cooked breakfast and lunch options inspired by Cajun cuisine and traditional Southern foods.

The restaurant is offering a full to-go menu, curbside pickup and family meal deals.

Barnett said while business is definitely down, the restaurant is holding steady through the turbulence of COVID-19.

“We’re hanging in there,” he said. “It’s a struggle, but we are busy enough to keep all our employees working at this time. That’s all we can ask for.”

Family deals include three to five different specials along with a mix of barbecue, pulled pork, ribs, and links throughout different days of the week.

The Feed Store is open for breakfast daily between 7-10 a.m. reopening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch.

Barnett is also co-owner of I Heart Mac ‘n’ Cheese with his wife Jennifer.

I Heart Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a franchise restaurant featuring different kinds of customizable macaroni-and-cheese bowls. The restaurant, under construction on 3350 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. Suite A in Port Arthur, is looking to open in June.