Mary’z Café relocating to downtown Franklin
Published 10:11 am Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Christina and John Geary, left, with his daughter, Ashley, and Mary Barraclough at Mary’z Cafe in Newsoms. The family restaurant will move to the former Grey Fox in downtown Franklin this winter. — STEPHEN H. COWLES | TIDEWATER NEWS
NEWSOMS—Mary’z Café is moving to downtown Franklin this winter and the reason is bittersweet, according to one of the owners, John Geary.
The restaurant had been enjoying success since it opened in early February 2012. But a tragedy this past spring has spoiled the location – or, more accurately – the drive to and from the business.
While traveling with her husband, Daniel, on General Thomas Highway one Sunday evening in March, Mary Barraclough reportedly lost control of the vehicle, ran off the road and hit several trees. She was injured, but he died at the scene. Several weeks went by before the café reopened, and coming to work has been a struggle for her and other family members.
“I just can’t take driving on this road anymore,” said Mary, for whom the restaurant is named. “It’s a lot on us emotionally.”
Both she and her son, John, have been quick to thank everyone for both their business and emotional assistance
“People have been very supportive,” said Mary. “It’s a new chapter in our lives.”
John added that the family has bonded with the locals.
“I personally told them the reason, and everybody was understanding,” Mary said. “They still hate to see us go, but have been very supportive. We’ve made some friends.”
“It’s been a good two years,” John added.
The last day of business will be Saturday, Dec. 21, and the family will take off January in order to prepare. The new location will be in the former Grey Fox restaurant on Main Street in Franklin. The new opening is anticipated by Saturday, Feb. 1, but possibly earlier the week before.
Mary said some new kitchen equipment might be needed, and then there’s paperwork and permits to obtain; one of which will be for beer, wine and alcohol.
“I’m excited and a bit nervous,” John said about the relocation. “We don’t plan on changing the menu.”
Some of the regulars’ favorite entrees have included homemade meatloaf, lasagna, and also a surf and turf mix.
“Our reputation is for seafood and steaks on Fridays and Saturdays,” he said. “We’ll try a couple of new things, depending on the traffic.”
