MCFARLAND'S RESTAURANT REOPENS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- McFarland's Restaurant, 24 S. Spanish Street in downtown Cape Girardeau, has reopened its doors after a three-month hiatus. Some changes have been added but most of the operation carries on with the familiar status quo.

Customers entering the front doors are greeted, usually by their first name, and with a mug of good strong coffee. A small radio behind the lunch counter and a jukebox in the far corner provide an eclectic range of music. The customers do not expect pots of fern and foliage hanging from the ceiling nor oak wood trim set off by polished brass detailing.

What they find is a taste of down home diner-style food service. Manager Linda McFarland follows the Yankee reasoning, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Innovations introduced since she first opened the restaurant three years ago continue to draw customers.

One unique feature found at the eatery, "the friendliest pancakes in town," are products of her imagination. First time customers are surprised to find their flap jacks to be smiling at them or offer a written greeting.

"We customize them," McFarland said. "We put on smiling face, write greetings or do free form sometimes. We just like to do something different. It opens people's eyes."

Another speciality is homemade rolls. "I was raised on the farm and always enjoyed eating homemade rolls," she explained. "And I like cooking and working with people. This allows me to do both."

Since reopening, the restaurant has expanded its hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m. It offers a Cajun and regular catfish special Friday evening and a T-bone and chopped steak special Saturday evening. Another turnabout is offering customers breakfast anytime instead of only in the morning.

McFarland said she is open to customer requests. One such addition is using egg substitute in breakfast dishes for customers who are watching their cholesterol levels.

She describes her customer base as being a blend of downtown merchants and shoppers, working people, and an evening dining crowd. The restaurant can seat 60 customers.

She is making plans to add curb service when warmer weather arrives, offering cheeseburgers and fries to the regular fare.