BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

NEWSOMS—Mary’z Café has opened on General Thomas Highway in Newsoms across from Drake’s Shopping Mart.

Making it possible was Christina and John Geary, as well as his mother, Mary Barraclough, for whom the restaurant is named.

“It was meant to be,” Barraclough said. “We’re excited and happy to be here. The people have been great. We enjoy it.”

The goal of having their own place was not born out of a whim, but from past experiences in the business.

In addition to studying a year at a culinary school, John Geary worked as a chef at Aldo’s in Virginia Beach, as well as managing other restaurants.

“I have 20 years managing hotels and restaurants at Virginia Beach,” said Barraclough, who handles the financial aspects. “My son and I thought about having a place for some time, and had been looking at different places.”

“The key was to finding a good location,” John Geary added.

He stressed that a strong sense of community was no less important. They moved from Franklin to a home within walking distance of the restaurant, which they found while joy riding.

They envisioned what the place could become, and “everything fell into place,” said John Geary. “It’s all in the timing.”

The building was renovated on the inside and out. The restaurant opened three weeks ago and a grand opening is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, March 9.

The menu includes lasagna, meatloaf, burger and steak patties, and seasoned fries.

“We have a welcoming environment, great personal staff, good quality food at fair prices,” said John Geary said. “Lots of personality, too. We want to get to know our customers.”

The restaurant is open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 654-6279.