About - Sister's Place

About Us

We Started Out as a Small Southern Homestyle Restaurant in the Heart of a Deeply-Rooted Country Town in North Central Florida, Williston. Now, Located just Across the Street from Our Original Location, We have Rebranded and Expanded.... Come See What's New at Sister's Place! New Look, Same Great Food and Exceptional Service!

Let Me Introduce You to "Sister" at Sister's Place

Michelle Fortner

Proprietor

At Sister’s Place, every meal is a story, every guest is family, and every visit feels like coming home.

Sister, also known as Michelle Fortner, is the heart and soul of Sister’s Place. As the proprietor, visionary entrepreneur, and avid community partner, Michelle is often found in a full apron, creating magic in the kitchen or serving with a smile. Her roots run deep in the history of Williston and the surrounding areas, making Sister’s Place a true local gem—keeping southern traditions alive through food and service.

Originally from LaBelle, Fla., Michelle has always been a small-town girl at heart. Growing up surrounded by family, she remembers friends and neighbors stopping by to share a meal, a story, and a memory. Her Mawmaw, who was always in the kitchen cooking up something delicious, inspired her love for food and hospitality. Michelle’s journey into the culinary world began with lessons learned in that very kitchen, where she realized food is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring people together.

Michelle opened her first restaurant, Michelle’s Southern Dining, in 2004 in LaBelle, Fla. She pursued this passion for three years before closing the restaurant due to the premature birth of her daughter, Abigayle, at just 27 weeks. Even then, she knew she would one day open her doors again. In 2018, Michelle fulfilled that dream by opening Sister’s Place in Williston, Fla.

Sister’s Place is your go-to spot for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Catering. With a friendly team by her side, Michelle ensures every guest is greeted with a traditional southern welcome. The staff at Sister’s Place don’t just serve—they build connections, getting to know their customers by name and treating everyone like family.

Come to Sister’s Place just as you are and dine with us, where southern charm, exceptional service, and a delicious homestyle meal await you—every day, any time.

Raised on Sweet Tea, Dirt Roads, and Jesus

Sister's Place Location

Honoring Our History, Celebrating our Future

This location has a rich history, beginning as a Sinclair gas station on the main street of Williston, FL, where locals would pull up to fill their tanks. Many of the original walls and openings remain, serving as a reminder of its humble beginnings. Over the years, it transformed into Jack’s, a beloved southern restaurant, followed by Billy Jack’s and most recently BubbaQue’s.

Now, this historic building enters a new chapter as the home of Sister’s Place. Opening our doors to the current location on Noble Avenue in March of 2025, we are proud to preserve the character and stories within these walls while creating new ones of our own. Our goal is to honor the history and create the future in a warm, inviting atmosphere where memories are made and cherished for generations to come.

If These Walls Could Talk

They'd Tell the Beautiful Story of A Small-Town Girl with a Big-City Dream-- of the Talented Team Who Worked Alongside Her, the People She Served, the Community She Supported, and the Journey That Built This Beloved Culinary Destination's Start in the Original Location of Sister's Place in Williston, Florida.

Deeply Rooted in Tradition

“After moving to Williston, Fla., as a little girl, I knew this town was ‘home.’ Family was always around, and friends and neighbors often stopped by to share a meal, a story, and a memory. My Mawmaw’s kitchen was the heart of those moments, filled with the warmth of her cooking and the joy of her hospitality. She was inspired by her mother, Alice Baker—‘Grandmother’—and together with my grandmother and great-grandmother, they passed down traditions that shaped not only my love for cooking but also my approach to life.”

“Mawmaw taught me so many traditions. One I’ll never forget was her phrase: ‘Whisk that up until it’s cornbread consistency.’ Who knew cornbread had its own consistency? My Mawmaw did. She had a way of taking simple, fresh ingredients and turning them into unforgettable meals. She’d greet local farmers with a warm smile, selecting the best produce for her creations. Those fresh ingredients found their way into dishes like fried pork chops, hand-rolled chicken and dumplings, and cobblers brimming with blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples. The aroma of those treats baking still fills me with the warmest memories of being her sous chef whenever I had the chance.”

“One of my fondest traditions was our Christmas Dessert Table. Mawmaw would spend hours baking chocolate chip cookies, divinity, banana pudding, fudge, buckeyes, red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, sugar cookies, and pies. Together, we’d arrange the sweets on a long table, beautifully displayed, and cover them with a sheet to keep them fresh. Over the days leading up to Christmas, we’d uncover and enjoy those treats, their aroma filling the house and creating memories I’ll treasure forever. It wasn’t just about the desserts—it was about the time spent together, the laughter, and the love that filled our home.”

“Mawmaw’s cooking was more than food—it was a connection to our roots and a celebration of southern traditions. She softened potlikker from collard greens, fried cornbread to perfection using Alabama Corn Meal, and treated bacon drippings—her ‘liquid gold’—as a staple in her kitchen. These meals weren’t just recipes; they were part of our family’s legacy, passed down through generations. Even today, it’s rare to find that kind of soulful cooking, and I’m so proud to carry those flavors and stories forward through Sister’s Place.”

“At Sister’s Place, we honor those traditions every day. Whether it’s a plate of fried pork chops or a warm smile at the door, it’s all inspired by the lessons I learned in Mawmaw’s kitchen. We welcome you into our ‘home’ and invite you to create your own memories in the small town we love.”

- Michelle Fortner

Mawmaw Taught Us Many Lessons in Life

She sure knew a lot of things. We watched and then she would watch as we practiced what we had learned. In the kitchen, was one of our favorite places to be—together! Many laughs were shared and spills cleaned, but nothing quite trumps the memories shared and the nostalgia it brings back when us Sisters get into the kitchen to whip up a batch of Mawmaw’s fudge together. Here’s a glimpse into the moments that continue to inspire everything we do at Sister’s Place.