SUFFOLK
A love for cooking has encouraged a former Franklin resident to share that passion with hungry guests. They can satisfy their appetites at her first restaurant, Dutch Market Eatery, which opened in late April in the main street section of the borough.

On the menu so far are sandwiches and basket items, such as chicken salad or tenders. In addition to homemade desserts, other comfort foods will be periodically added and subtracted in order to keep the variety interesting.

All will be done in-house “as much as possible,” said Bishop, who is originally from Holland. The meals are served in a spacious and down-to-earth family atmosphere. She’s decorated it with flowers and tables are painted with encouraging thoughts, such as ‘Happiness is a choice.”

All this can be traced to the inspiration of Bishop’s guidance counselor during her school years in Franklin.

“I told my guidance counselor that cooking is the only thing I ever wanted to do,” said Bishop, adding that the counselor replied, “Did you know you make a living cooking?”

From that moment on, “I was hooked” Bishop said.

The daughter of the late W.J. And Helen Bishop, she went on to earn an associate degree from Johnson and Wales University, and later became a training specialist from Old Dominion University. Most recently, Bishop earned her master’s degree in entrepreneurship from American Public University.

Formerly living in Norfolk, Bishop brings years of experience both as a chef and restaurateur, having worked at Sentara Leigh Memorial Hospital and the Monarch Sports Grill, to name a couple.

Deciding that the time was right to start her own place, Bishop found it at home in Holland last fall. She had been working on it from then through most of April.

Now, Bishop and her crew are ready for you.

Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, expanding to an extra 30 minutes on Friday — the karaoke starts at 6:30 p.m.; and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Omelets, pancakes, French Toast and home fries are available on the breakfast menu.

The facility, located on 6713 S. Quay Road, is also available for private parties.

To learn more, call 744-7155 or, of course, come on over. As Bishop puts it on her Facebook page, “The Dutch Market Eatery is where friends gather.”