CHAZY — Business at Orchard Side Restaurant and Catering is off to a blooming start.
Diane Perry bought the former Homestead Restaurant, located across from Chazy Orchards, and took over Feb. 1.
"We've very fortunate. We've been very well received in the community," she said. "It's normally very busy."
The restaurant specializes in a traditional breakfast menu. The lunch menu includes the orchard burger, a half-pound burger with special seasonings.
On weekends, specialties such as baby-back ribs, surf-n-turf and sirloin steaks are on the menu. Their perch fry during the winter months was very popular, Perry said.
"We do a lot of fresh-baked goods here," Perry said.
That includes fresh-baked pies and cakes, made completely from scratch.
She said portions are generous. The menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, combination specials and dinners.
"No one should walk away from here hungry," Perry said.
She is awaiting a license to serve beer and wine. A new menu will have special sections for children and seniors.
Perry said she has made the second kitchen into a catering kitchen. She can handle events ranging from small parties to formal banquets and weddings.
"Catering is really taking off. I didn't realize how much of a need there was in this area," Perry said.
Plans call for expansion, possibly as soon as next year. She has already renovated the kitchen.
"In this business, you can't get stagnant," Perry said.
The restaurant features a modern country decor with a homey feel. Perry said more interior renovations are planned, including a new hardwood counter top.
Orchard Side Restaurant has seating for up to 60 people.
Perry has been in the food-service industry for the last 15 years, and, with the support of her family, made the decision to strike out on her own.
Perry started out providing cake decorating for weddings and other special occasions. That made her realize how much she enjoyed cooking.
The Mooers native later cooked in the cafeteria at Mooers Elementary School. Her most recent job was as manager at a truck-stop restaurant.
"I left there to do this," Perry said.
She said there are 11 people employed at Orchard Side. Perry said she will probably be looking for more down the road.
Her daughter, Nicole Murphy, helps manage the restaurant. Perry said she'll probably take over some day.
Barb McCarthy brings 40 years experience with her baking skills, and Leslie Wysko is the head cook.
Perry said the location at 9483 Route 9 is great, with a lot of traffic. She said it's nice that locals don't have to drive to Plattsburgh for a good meal.
"I think there's a big need for a family-oriented restaurant with a country flair," Perry said.
She plans to have a grand opening celebration sometime in July.
Orchard Side Restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant accepts Discover, Master Card, Visa and American Express.
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