Lori Shiver opened Crave Eatery two years ago and the bistro cafe is evolving more each day into the center of the downtown scene in Bainbridge.
“I kept having to turn away people because I didn’t have enough seats,” Lori Shiver, Crave owner and founder said. “And it broke my heart because it was people I know and people I would have loved to meet.”
So in late March she started putting together an outdoor seating space.
Crave replaced several parking spaces behind their building with a closed in area and porch deck. There are shaded and sunny tables with a mural of downtown Bainbridge painted along the fence. Shiver has also planted an herb garden in the back where she grabs handfuls of herbs to cook with and guests are willing to try some too.
“I have always wanted to do something outdoors, and we had the tables on the sidewalk out front, but that was not enough seating,” Shiver said. “So we really did this out of necessity, but the more I thought about it the more I fell in love with this idea.”
Shiver said she has plans to host special events in The Yard, like an outdoor theater night, wine tastings once a month and even some live music. There are plans to introduce craft beers and for Crave to develop and carve out the niche in the craft beer department for Bainbridge.
“You just feel like you are part of downtown when you are out here and there has never been a better time to be part of downtown,” Shiver said.
Sunday Shiver will be putting out a large TV in The Yard and streaming The Masters from 2 p.m. until when the jacket is placed on the winner. Shiver will be serving food and drinks while diners enjoy the classic spring tournament.
“I see no limits to what can be done out here,” Shiver said. “We are calling it The Yard because everyone has fond memories of being in their yard. We want this to be totally relaxed and casual.”
Shiver said two regular couples who did not know one another mixed and mingled Thursday night and left friends at The Yard. They told Shiver they enjoyed making new friends and spending time in The Yard — which is Shiver’s vision.
Crave Eatery is open for lunch Tuesdays through Saturdays and for dinner Thursdays and Fridays.