Raleigh, N.C. — The State Farmers' Market restaurant reopened Saturday after a two-month hiatus. The restaurant had been closed for renovations.

Owners said the decision to close was tough – 45 employees were temporarily laid off during the renovation – but necessary to come back better than ever.

“It is always hard to close because you worry,” owner Gypsy Gilliam said. “I think it was a good thing because it’s so positive.”

The restaurant has a new kitchen and floors, a patio for outdoor seating and a children’s play area.

It will also be open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The addition of seating and hours allowed the restaurant to rehire laid off employees and add 20 new staffers.

“We have much longer hours, so we need more staff,” Gilliam said.

Nearby vendors at the State Farmers' Market said that their sales were off during the restaurant’s closure.

“I’m glad it’s open. I wish they hadn’t ever closed,” vendor Gary Wise said.

Diners said on Saturday that the upgrades were worth the wait.

“It’s like being at grandma’s house – good, old-fashioned country cooking,” customer Michael Swartz said.