Catch Jodie's While You Can (And Help, If You Can)

After more than two decades cooking in Albany,  is looking for a new kitchen. And, while it means Albany may well lose his unique personality and delectable chow, it will also give Royston some much-needed room to grow.

Royston, 73, has made a name for himself with his big personality, his tiny eatery and his diverse menu. (Not to mention his raved-about fried chicken, since earlier this year.)

These days, Royston's grandson, Charles Garrison, is often at the helm in the kitchen, turning out mouth-watering burgers, excellently-prepared eggs and, of late, made-from-scratch soups. (Soup is a new addition to the Wednesday-Thursday menu at Jodie's.)

In October, Royston said he was surprised by members of his "," who began an online fundraising campaign to help him move to a better space. (You may have seen the sign hanging above Royston's doorway advertising the effort.)

"They came in and they told me they were going to do this for me. They put the banner out there, started the website, and added some money to start it off," he said. "I said, 'Thank you!' I appreciate it. I take all the help I can get. And, if you can't give, if you just send people here until I can get out of here, that'll be fine too."

Royston said he wants to leave because his place is "a matchbox." It's been described by some as the smallest restaurant in northern California. 

In fact, it's so small that, until earlier this year, he'd always had to prepare his at home in his own kitchen. Around February, after more than 20 years, a health inspector put the kibosh on that when someone reported the off-site preparation to officials.

"The chicken is on vacation. But it will be back. Not here. But it will be back," said Royston. "If you support me now, you will get your chicken in a hurry."

He said many customers come to his shop specifically for the chicken. Its absence has hurt his business, and added a degree of frustration to his day. Explaining the missing chicken again and again has taken its toll emotionally as well as financially, he said.

Make no mistake, said grandson Garrison. The "Jodie's Future" campaign is entirely geared toward opening up a new restaurant.

"It's not for retirement. It's for his future for another business," the 25-year-old said. 

"I'm not gonna take a vacation and come back here," added Royston.

The money will help Royston purchase equipment and tools for a new location, as well as help him secure the new space. 

Royston said he's looking for a place slightly larger than his current location, with a back kitchen, as well as indoor and outdoor tables. Other than that, he intends to keep the look and atmosphere the same.

It's a simple recipe, but one you don't often find when dining out.

"Once you cross my threshold, you become part of the family," said Royston, "part of Jodie's. It's home away from home."

Donate to the campaign at http://jodiesfuture.com, and visit Jodie's Facebook page for daily photographs of specials.

• Wednesdays and Thursdays, get soup, parmesan bread and a drink for $6.50.
• Get J-C's burger Wednesday through Friday (a cheeseburger, potato chips and a drink) for $6.50.
• Cheesecakes, made by Royston's daughter, sell for $4 a slice and $24 whole.
• Friday through Sunday, you won't want to miss the creamy grits.

Everybody makes mistakes ... ! If there's something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor Emilie Raguso at 510-459-8325 or email her at emilier@patch.com.