Farmers Market Restaurant closed for repairs

“It has the best grits in town,” patron Julie Funk said.

Over the next eight weeks, the restaurant will redo the floors, overhaul the HVAC system and complete major renovations in the kitchen.

“The building is nearly 20-years-old and we really need that,” owner Gypsy Gilliam said of the Farmers Market Restaurant's repairs.

Some people say they are worried the closure will hurt their business, especially during these tough economic times.

“I'm going to apply for some unemployment. It is temporary,” employee Joanne Pike said of the closure.

“It will affect us because we get a lot of flow by traffic. Most time they go up and eat breakfast then come down here and walk through,” State Farmers Market vendor Jeff Allen said.

Allen says a tight economy means sales have already slowed. He worries the restaurant's restructuring might slow business down even more.

It is “not a good thing,” Allen said.

“It has to be done,” Gilliam said of the repairs.

When the popular eatery reopens in March it will serve dinner Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and have outdoor seating.

“We're gonna be able to come in the evening and sit outside and enjoy the North Carolina weather. It's going to be great,” Funk said.

Gilliam said January and February are typically slower months, and that is why she decided to close now for repairs.