By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
Biscuits and gravy are served all day at 7 Lakes Cafe, and the coffee flows freely. Just weeks ago, this place was still known as Greenebow’s and before that, Mac’s Anytime Breakfast.
“There wasn’t really any downtime,” new owner Candy Wood said. “ We just switched the sign.”
The change became official April 1 when Wood, who had worked there as a waitress for the past three years, stepped in to buy the restaurant. The previous owner sold for health reasons.
Wood and her two daughters, Alexis Wood and Keila Demmons, now have the run of the place. Alexis has worked there about nine years and Keila, about a year and a half.
“I had looked at buying it before,” she said. “The girls really wanted to bring it back to what it used to be.” They bring over a dozen years of experience to the venture.
Much of what regulars expect remains the same, including the prices for now, and even some lower. Wood is listening to customers and keeping the things people love including breakfast all day and daily specials.
Wood is adding some customer requests, such as an open-faced sandwich special. “We had a customer ask for it,” she said. “I told him to give me his number and I’d call him when we have it.”
The menu of the small-town diner features omelets, Philly cheesesteaks, salads and burgers at breakfast, if that is what you want. Wood is making small tweaks here in there with more thinly sliced sandwich meats, fuller plates and a few more options shaped by customer input.
People have noticed, Wood said. They have received positive feedback and strong support from the community. “Its been overwhelming.”
Wood and her daughters run the show, stepping into whatever role is needed, especially as they look for some new cooks.
They have been open every day since opening, including Easter, which was just a few days after Wood took ownership. Wood was thrilled they filled the dining room on the holiday.
With the new name comes the assumption that the restaurant is named in honor of the community it serves. While the name gives a nod to its location, it represents seven members of Wood’s family, her children and grandchildren.
The warm, family feeling can be sensed around the dining room. Regulars, like Jerry Bowles who has an assigned chair at the counter, add to the character and charm of the restaurant. Wood and her girls keep up an easy back and forth with customers, many of whom they don’t have to ask “what can I get you?”
Wood has plans for a grand opening down the road. Wood’s main focus is getting settled. “If anybody’s looking for a great place to work, we’re looking for good cooks,” Wood said.
7 Lakes Cafe, 4375 N.C. Highway 211 in Seven Lakes/West End, is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., seven days a week.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
