Kopper Kettle Cafeteria

Craig Maluff reflects on a decade of running the family business.

Words by Cooper Kirkpatrick | Image courtesy of Craig Maluff

The Kopper Kettle Cafeteria was a family-owned restaurant in the Jasper Mall, operated by husband and wife Edward and Shirley Maluff. The couple had been in the restaurant business for quite some time before purchasing the cafeteria, which they soon entrusted to their son, Craig, to manage.

Craig took on the role shortly after graduating from the University of Montevallo in 1982. Having always been passionate about the restaurant industry, he accepted the opportunity fresh out of college.

Kopper Kettle offered a wide selection of meats, breads, vegetables, and desserts, operating like a traditional cafeteria where customers moved through a line to choose their meals.

Though Craig was given the chance to run the restaurant by his parents, managing it was still a challenge.

“It was a little difficult for me because I was hiring people who were older than myself... and I was just a young kid. I did stupid things,” he said.

Like anyone learning the ropes, Craig faced some growing pains as he adjusted to leading a team.

He remembers moments when he could have handled situations better but as the business grew so did his knowledge in how to lead.

Fortunately, he had the guidance of his father, who provided support and invaluable advice despite his commitments to other restaurant locations in Birmingham. One piece of advice stuck with Craig the most: No one is above anybody else. That perspective helped him find his footing as a leader.

Looking back, Craig is grateful for his time at the Kopper Kettle. The experience gave him lifelong friendships, invaluable skills, and memories that have stayed with him.

By the latter half of 1992, Craig had met his then-wife, and they had welcomed their daughter, Kelly. As his family grew, so did the realization that running the restaurant was keeping him from precious moments at home.

“We gave it a good full ten years... I was just ready for something else; I was ready for another plan,” he said.

With no one else available to take over, the Kopper Kettle Cafeteria closed after a decade of serving the community.

Today, Craig works for a company that distributes food to restaurants, carrying the lessons he learned from the Kopper Kettle into his career. After more than 30 years in the industry, former customers still recognize him around town. His time at the restaurant left a lasting impression, and its impact is still felt decades later. 78