Ambiance served up with a menu stacked full of delectable edibles that are “Fresh, Local, Nutritious and Delicious” can now be added to the list of hotspot destinations in historic downtown Pell City.

March 27 was a happy day for Mark and Melissa Brooks as their eatery The Garry House Café opened its doors at 2101 First Avenue North in Pell City.

“We wanted to do a café and bring an old Pell City house to life,” said Mark. “We hope this brings a new energy to the downtown Pell City area.”

Built in 1905 this now refurbished home turned restaurant provides a chic sophisticated dining experience like no other in Pell City.

“We love this house,” said Melissa. “We chose it because it needed to be rescued and we wanted to be able to provide a less complicated option. It’s a pretty venue and a nice place to hold a party.”

Married for five years, Mark and Melissa relocated from Kingsville, Texas where the Brooks were stationed as Mark was named Air Wing TWO Commander in 2009.

On making the move to Pell City Melissa said they wanted to be with Mark’s family (Admiral Dennis and Lorrie Brooks) on the lake.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Melissa joked with guests as she greeted them at last week’s Garry House Café ribbon cutting.

“I’m a real Southerner,” she said. “From Australia.”

Excited for the new business to come to town, Mayor Joe Funderburg shared his thoughts on what The Garry House Café means for Pell City.

“We’ve been anxiously awaiting this opening,” said Funderburg. “It’s a big plus for Pell City. With the fine people running it, it will be a very successful establishment for the community.”

Echoing that sentiment, The Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erica Grieve said, “We’re so excited. On behalf of the chamber and city—we are in for a treat.”

After the ribbon cutting guests came in to receive The Garry House Café experience.

As people entered they made comments like, “remarkable, such a good job and this is so exciting.”

Fully staffed, one server named Cathy moved from Texas just to work at The Garry House Café.

Incorporating a family flair to its charismatic environment, Mark’s sister, Alli is the front of the house manager.

Adding to the venue’s charm are paintings from local artist Nettie Bean, Southern Cultural Arts Foundation’s Sarah Deese, Buddy Spradley and Earl Scoggins, with photography featured by Wally Bromberg.

“The place looks beautiful because of you,” Melissa said.

Renovations began in late 2012 and, as Melissa puts it, builders were there up to the morning of the ribbon cutting.

Price points range from $10 to $30 as local products are used to provide dishes such as bruschetta and decadent desserts such as crème puffs and chocolate morsels will tantalize your taste buds.

Infusing smooth jazz throughout the house’s four dining rooms, The Garry House Café cosmopolitan dining experience in the cozy city by the lake.

For more information visit www.thegarryhousecafe.com and ‘Like’ them on Facebook.