By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CALERA – The former Golden Rule BBQ restaurant will soon be serving up catfish as the location is transformed into Ezell’s Catfish.

Charles Matsos, the managing partner of Golden Rule BBQ, has decided to try a “fresh concept,” Director of Operations Emily Ferrell said.

“There have been some changes as far as management, and (Matsos) felt like a fresh concept in there would be the best choice. He wants to try something different. Ezell’s has done well in Bessemer, and he felt like it would be a good avenue to explore,” Ferrell said.

Golden Rule closed Dec. 17, according to a Dec. 14 letter from Brenda Shill of Calera Golden Rule BBQ.

Matsos has partnered with Agnew Hall, who formerly owned Pelham’s Ezell’s Catfish location, in the venture.

“Everyone’s going to be very hands-on with this,” Ferrell said. “We know Golden Rule and (Hall) knows Ezell’s.”

Ferrell said the restaurant, which is located at 4979 U.S. 31 South in Calera, will reopen as Ezell’s in mid-January.