Waitsburg is becoming a destination for foodies. Three new food establishments opened earlier this month, giving residents and visitors eight eateries to try, including the well-established Whoopemup Hollow Café, the jimgermanbar and the Lath Neppur Brewery.

After months of renovations, the doors of the Anchor tavern at 128C Main St., the Coppei Coffee shop at 137 Main St. and Betty's Diner, a 1950-style restaurant, at 114 Preston Ave., are all open for business.

"It's exciting," said Waitsburg Mayor Walt Gobel in a news release. "I'm elated that it's happening. It will increase our tax base and keep business in town."

He's also hoping the three new food and drink businesses will bring new people into Waitsburg.

The Anchor tavern in the former American Legion building is owned by Walla Walla winemaker Charles Smith, while Coppei Coffee is owned by Waitsburg Times publisher Imbert Matthee and Betty's Diner by Tiffany Laposi.

"I hope we can turn this town into a food destination," said Bart Baxter, Laposi's partner and Betty's general manager.

As for the diner, Baxter said he wants people to "come in curious and leave amazed."

Smith said he hopes his bar will appeal to visitors and local residents alike.

The Anchor tavern will have beer, music and pinball, Smith said.

"The town has an unusual sense of intimacy for a place where two highways meet," Matthee said. "That intimacy and retro charm continues when you go into a Main Street bar, restaurant and our coffee shop. We hope that makes people want to linger and come back."

Bon appetit.

Culinary inspiration

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New read

The book: Time to Grill by Jamie Purviance.

Cost: $20.

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-- Loretto J. Hulse: 582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com. To receive a recipe via e-mail each Tuesday register at tricityherald.com and click on newsletters. If you already are registered, click on edit account and newsletters to select Recipe of the Week. This exclusive recipe does not appear in the newspaper.