TIFTON — Kristan “Tony” Woods has opened his new restaurant, Tonyo’s Seafood. The 32 year old business owner is excited and passionate about serving members of his community great food and great service.

“I have the most friendly staff in Tifton,” said Woods. “Good customer service, better food is the business model.”

This is the first restaurant Woods has owned and managed. He received experience in managing at Tenneson Nissan where he worked his way up from washing and detailing cars to managing the rental department.

Woods thought the location was a perfect fit. The restaurant is located off Interstate 75 on South Central Avenue.

“To me this is the perfect location, I love the spot,” said Woods. “We are right off of interstate and we have a neighborhood behind us.”

Woods knew the neighborhood and knew that seafood would be a popular choice. He said there weren’t many options to get fresh seafood before he opened.

The shrimp and crab legs have been the most popular choice since opening. The thing that keeps the customers coming back is the signature garlic sauce and seasoning Woods puts on the seafood.

Woods credits his good fortune and success to God. “God was the divine architect of this business,” said Woods.

Five years ago, Woods found God and he was saved Woods said. After experiencing some legal troubles in the past, he has changed his life around.

“I came here [Tifton] and started walking to work,” said Woods. “God elevated me and gave me the vision of this restaurant.”

The menu is a work in progress and Woods is open to suggestions from his customers. The most important thing to Tonyo’s Seafood is pleasing their customers, and Woods is happy to serve his community.

Woods mostly hires people that attend church with him at Eagle Wings Judah Worship Center. His church has been one of his biggest support systems since opening the restaurant.

“My future goal is to branch off one day and open more locations,” said Woods. “But my more immediate goal right now is to find someone [who] would take over the management responsibilities in the kitchen.”  

The hours for Tonyo’s seafood are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The address is 3121 S Central Ave, Tifton, GA 31794 and their phone number is (229)-322-8757.