Farmers Market Restaurant closed for repairs

Raleigh, N.C. — If you didn't get there Sunday, you will have to wait awhile to visit the State Farmers Market Restaurant. It will be closed for repairs from Jan. 11 until March 7.

“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.

While the restaurant is closed, 45 employees will also be out of work.

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

The vendors outside the restaurant are hoping they can make it too.

“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.

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Latest Comments

I think their prices are very reasonable for what you get. Choice of meat, two sides, unlimited biscuits and corn bread, plus cobbler.

If you honestly think that this is too much for that quality and quantity of food, then you need to stick to McDonalds. Prices have gone up, and now this is a very typical price for a GOOD lunch.

They also have smaller items on the menu, so if you aren't that hungry, order something smaller.

I look forward to eating there again when they open up! Yum!

bigredtruckman
January 13, 2009 1:09 p.m.

I agree with the Lunch prices being WAY too high. The food is pretty good, but not THAT good.

I'm guessing they charge that much because during the lunch rush they're often at capacity...but still, I have no doubt that their number of customers declines every time they raise prices. Maybe they're trying to find their perfect number or something...

I haven't been going 2-3 times a month any more...I suspect it'll be more like a 2-3 times a year now.

tarheel4life
January 12, 2009 10:47 a.m.

I wish there was some renovation to the acoustics. The noise level is very high. I agree with the comment about price. Too much for lunch but great food.

Ima Cook
January 12, 2009 10:04 a.m.

Their business might hurt for the first couple of months they re-open. But they have such a large base of regular customers, they will be fine after that.

DeathRow-IFeelYourPain-NOT
January 12, 2009 9:00 a.m.

This is a great place to eat. Servings are very generous-but, lunch is way too expensive. Meat and 2 sides plus tea and desert are $11.43. Quanities are huge-too much to eat. Smaller serving sizes and lower price might "stimulate" business.

tgw
January 12, 2009 8:52 a.m.