Our Story

Our Story

Darlene’s began long before we opened our doors — it started in Chicago in 2014, when two people with big dreams and even bigger hustle crossed paths: Jon Stuckey and Morgan Fose.

Back then, Jon and Morgan were carving out their own lanes in the city. Together, they opened a small brokerage for rental properties, juggling showings and paperwork while Morgan continued her fast-paced career with Jägermeister. Morgan had been in the food & beverage world since 2008, and her love for hospitality never faded. If anything, it grew.

By 2022, the pull toward creating something in food became too strong to ignore. So they packed up, headed south, and made a bold new start in St. Augustine, Florida, where they launched their second business together — the Bacon and Bubbles Food Truck. For three years, they served up good food, good vibes, and a whole lot of personality, building a loyal following along the way.

In 2023, ready to plant deeper roots, Jon and Morgan bought a home in Palatka, FL — a community that immediately felt like theirs. And after three full years on the road in a food truck, they knew the next step had been calling them for a long time.

That dream became Darlene’s, opening in August of 2025.

Named in honor of Morgan’s mom, Darlene — whose love, strength, and spirit sparked the entire vision — the restaurant is a tribute to the lessons learned during her battle with esophageal cancer. Through that journey, Jon and Morgan discovered how many harmful chemicals and fillers hide in everyday foods. It changed the way they thought about eating and inspired the foundation of their menu: quality ingredients, zero fillers, real food made with care.

And through every move, every challenge, and every big leap of faith, Morgan’s dad and their families stood behind them — offering unwavering support, encouragement, and strength that made this dream possible.

Today, Darlene’s stands as more than a restaurant.
It’s a love letter to family, community, and fresh beginnings.
It’s a place built from years of hard work, big moves, and even bigger hope.
And it’s proudly, deeply Palatka local.

From Chicago to Florida, from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar, from loss to legacy — this is the story of Jon, Morgan, and the place created in Darlene’s honor.

Welcome to our table.