Don and Beth Ernest began looking for a space in Georgetown to open a restaurant in 2016, in what Don called a state of  “temporary insanity.” Now more than a year later, having decided instead to purchase Laurie’s Cafe just north of the downtown Square, the Ernests said customers are happy the couple took the chance. “We really liked the location more than anything,” Beth said. “We didn’t know anything about Laurie’s,  but Laurie’s has got a rich history. It’s been around a long time.” Laurie’s Cafe has operated in Georgetown for about 15 years under multiple owners and names, Beth said. For most of that time it has served a variety of homemade-style foods. Don said he and his wife  made minor tweaks to the menu, but they also listened to customers’ requests to keep the restaurant’s style mostly the same after the ownership change in December 2016. After taking a  few weeks to clean the space and prepare their menu, the Ernests reopened  Laurie’s Cafe in January 2017. Don said the community welcomed them “with open arms.” “Georgetown is such a vibrant community,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun. It’s a lot of hard work, but that’s the nature of the business. We have a lot of fun.” Beth said she has had customers nearly break into tears after eating at Laurie’s Cafe. One woman told Beth it tasted just like the food the woman’s grandmother would cook for her. “Someone said yesterday, ‘You’re a hidden gem!’” Beth said. “That was really sweet.” Salads make up the bulk of the menu. Chicken salad, tuna salad, cobb salad and broccoli salad are a few of the most popular offerings. Laurie’s Cafe is also known for its congealed salad, which is the restaurant’s version of Jell-O salad. Don and Beth said many of their customers come from Sun City. “You get women in here who can cook, and they come here to eat,” Beth said. That’s really rewarding.” Laurie's Cafe 612 S. Main St., Georgetown 512-863-5875 www.lauriescafe.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., closed Sun.