Things are getting back to normal at the No Wake Zone Grill in downtown Washington.

After owners Micheal and Danielle Hunnings decided to change the restaurant name from the Mecca Grill to the No Wake Zone, it sent some shockwaves through the community of veteran patrons, but most people jumped on board with the nautical theme.

During the last few months, however, word also spread around town that the Hunnings were considering a move.

The Hunnings have owned the restaurant since 2004. Micheal has worked there for almost 13 years and Danielle for more than 11.

Danielle Hunnings said she wants to move closer to her family, many of who reside in the St. Louis area.

The couple toyed with the idea of moving their family out there, even making trips to the area and talking with potential buyers for the restaurant. But in the end, they decided to stay.

Both of the Hunnings said they feel at home in Washington and have built relationships with the people.

“It’d be hard to leave,” Danielle Hunnings said, although she added moving to St. Louis is a long-term goal.

She said the restaurant has also recently seen significant turnover, and several new employees have come on board.

With these changes over the past year, Hunnings said she hopes operations at the No Wake Zone can now continue on as usual.

The restaurant’s daily specials are set to return, and Micheal Hunnings said he is starting to incorporate a more “winter menu,” adding more soups, meatloaf and pastas. The Hunnings added almost 50 new menu items last year around the same time as the name change.

What hasn’t changed is the friendly, laid-back atmosphere, and for at least the next couple of years, that’s what the Hunnings want to build on.

The No Wake Zone Grill is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.