COLERAIN – A glimpse of Colerain’s past glory is preserved on the walls within a building here at 105 South Main Street.

There’s a poster for what once graced the silver screen at the old Myers Theatre, while another proclaims sale items at McCallum’s Dress Shop.

A large frame contains tidbits and photos, some dating to the mid 1930’s, from the old Colerain High School. Nearly one-half of the display area on the wall is reserved for vintage photographs from a business that made Colerain famous around the world – the town’s connection to the once thriving herring industry.

But that was then….this is now.

Two proud sons of Colerain have re-energized the downtown business district by opening Café 45 – a breakfast and lunch restaurant that has quickly become the place to gather for great food, great service and equally great conversation.

The proprietors, chief cooks, and bottle washers are Perry Wynns and Brandon Harrell. If those two names sound familiar among those that live or regularly visit this town, they are the same duo that man the kitchen at the Lazy Hill Grill, opened three nights a week at the Colerain Beach and Boat Club.

“This has always been a dream for Perry and myself to open a restaurant here on Main Street,” said Harrell. “I now run the grill down at the river and Perry helps me, but we started talking about doing this café and me helping him here at this new restaurant.”

The two knew they would gain the support of Colerain residents, especially considering it’s a 15-mile trek to Ahoskie to find the nearest “sit-down” breakfast/lunch restaurant.

“We’ve had support from those here in Colerain thus far, and since the word has got out that we’re open, we’re seeing folks come in from other towns,” said Wynns.

Another big plus for the duo was the backing of Perry’s parents, Chip and Reba Wynns.

“They saw how well we worked together down at the river, the dedication we had to operate a successful restaurant, and offered their support as our financial partners for Café 45,” noted Harrell.

Since opening on May 19, the new eatery has seen a steady stream of customers for breakfast and lunch.

“We feature a made to order menu,” explained Wynns. “We’re going to fix your order fresh, right before your eyes.”

Those who love to start off the day with a hearty meal will fall in love with Café 45’s breakfast menu. If you have a big appetite, try the “Colerain Sampler” (two eggs cooked to order with link or patty sausage, and bacon or country ham, and pancakes or a waffle, and grits or hashbrowns…all with a biscuit or toast). Or you might like a freshly prepared omelet (complete with an array of fixings), or just a breakfast biscuit (with bacon, sausage, country ham, or chicken).

The lunch menu features traditional faire: burgers, hot dogs, sub sandwiches, chicken or fish sandwiches, shrimp, house and chef salads, and quesadillas. There’s also a unique twist to a traditional favorite – French fries.

What makes it all work is the restaurant experience possessed by Wynns and Harrell.

Wynns is a 2015 graduate of the College of the Albemarle with a degree in Culinary Arts. Other than helping Harrell at the Lazy Hill Grill, Wynns has four years of restaurant experience working for Mitchell Spivey at Hammerheads Oyster Bar in Windsor.

“I learned a lot working with Mitchell; as a matter of fact it was working there that led me to enroll at COA and study culinary arts,” Wynns said. “I just enjoy cooking. I’m happy we were able to bring a restaurant back to downtown Colerain.”

Harrell’s gift for cooking started with his now late father, Ashley – famous in Colerain for his barbecue pork and chicken. Brandon also has previous work experience at Pizza Inn of Ahoskie, Parker’s Barbecue in Greenville and two restaurants in Raleigh –O’Charleys, and Kick Back Jacks.

“I’ve worked in the restaurant business since I was 16,” Harrell noted. “I even like to cook at home when we have company coming over. It’s just something about trying new things, making it all taste good, and seeing the reaction of those eating your food.”

Judging from the reaction of a week’s worth of customers at Café 45, the two chefs seem to think their expertise in the kitchen has been well received.

“I’ve seen a lot of smiles; so I hope they’re liking what Perry and I are offering,” Harrell observed.

“We’ve been very busy, and I’m seeing repeat customers….that’s always a good sign you’re doing something right,” stated Wynns.

And with that steady flow of customers, the two owners have opted to add to their staff.

“Our original thinking was it was just going to be myself and Perry here, with some help from Chip and Reba when their schedule would allow,” Harrell remarked. “We were hoping to have about 60 customers a day, but we’re seeing at least twice that many, maybe more.”

Four part-time positions have been already added to the business. That adds to the economy of Colerain and the county.

“It helps because the wages we’re paying our part-time folks turns back over into our community,” Harrell said. “As an example, one of the part-time people we hired wanted to have some work done at their house, but couldn’t afford it. Now with this job, they’ve added enough income to have that work done, which led to the carpenter doing that work getting paid, and then he comes in here and orders lunch. We all win in cases like that.”

Café 45 is open from 5 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Take-out orders can be placed by calling 252-356-1186, or drop in for a sit-down meal while browsing the photos of Colerain’s proud past.