The community of Carlyle has welcomed the newest member of its business community with the opening of Capstone Restaurant and Lounge on Main Street.
Located in the former Home Hardware store on Main Street's west side, Capstone is a real family affair, with ties to Carlyle that goes back decades.
On the day of the Grand Opening, Wednesday, Feb. 22, the Capstone crew threw their doors wide open at 5 a.m. for breakfast.
Attending the clients that first morning was Ryan Gentes, one of four siblings and spouses who are involved with the restaurant along with Gentes' father.
Gentes explained that this was his first restaurant, however he had had plenty of experience in the business of running an eatery, thanks to his father Dan's involvement in the Sugar Plum, a restaurant that formerly existed on Main Street in Carlyle.
"I had lots of experience working at the restaurant," Gentes said. "It was a real family business."
Regarding his new venture, Capstone, Gentes said it was something he had been playing with for some time.
"It was a couple of years ago that I started playing with the idea of opening a restaurant in Carlyle," Gentes said. "Over that time, I was answering questions like who would be involved, how would we staff it, where would it be located, and what the menu would look like."
It is easily apparent that the menu is one aspect of the business Gentes and his co-owners are taking very seriously.
On opening day, the menu listed a number filling, hearty dishes that everyone can recognize.
"We want to make sure that what we are offering our patrons is good, consistent food," Gentes said. "We will be fine-tuning the menu as things progress, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are additions or changes to the menu in the first month."
The cavernous space within which Capstone is located is well appointed with both booths and tables.
Warm mustard yellow and wine red walls help create a pleasant atmosphere, very much removed from the scurrying of Main Street.
Gentes, with his father Dan and siblings Matthew, Jamie, and Jake, along with their respective spouses, are all taking part in the operation of the restaurant.
"We all have an area of responsibility, and it really helps that all of us are involved," Gentes said. "With finding employees difficult, I don't think we could have gotten started without everyone on board."
Capstone Restaurant and Lounge is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., with the lounge open from 10 a.m. until close.
Sunday hours for the restaurant are 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and the lounge will be open from 11 a.m. until close.
