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As a single mother for many years in Georgia, Karen Hutson leaned on her friends for support and encouragement. They’d go out on Wednesdays for wine, or visit with each other on their back porches. Laughing or commiserating together, Hutson cherished the camaraderie she built with her friends. 

Now in Washington, Hutson wants customers at the recently opened The Water Street Cafe to have the same experience – to sit on the front porch of the cafe and build friendships and community with one another in a relaxed environment. It’s also a new spot for people who work downtown and want to grab a quick bite to eat on their lunch break. 

“I wanted to replicate those back porches, and those wonderful homes of friends,” Hutson said. 

Hutson opened The Water Street Cafe on Saturday, Feb. 10 with an open house reception. 

“We want it to be a part of Washington, and something for the locals,” Hutson said, “The people that work downtown; that they can get a decent, nutritious meal and have it for under $10.” 

The Water Street Cafe offers a limited selection of pastries, sandwiches, salads and soups. To go with them, customers can select from various coffees and teas. Lunch items are priced at $8.50, except the soup of the week which is $5. 

Hutson says the most popular item on the menu is the loaded potato soup. People call in advance to see if it is the soup of the week, but if it’s not, they plan their weeks around when it is served. 

Huston will expand the menu once the cafe receives a beer and wine license. “Once that comes through, we’re going to add some things on the menu that will be good,” Huston said. 

She plans to add tapas like bacon wrapped dates, Southwest egg rolls, baked brie, crab dip and roasted red peppers with goat cheese.

The Water Street Cafe is Huston’s third business venture. Prior to moving to Washington from Greensboro in 2017, Huston owned a maternity and children’s clothing store on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. She also operated a concierge business in the Greensboro area called “The Working Woman’s Wife” that helped families with school pickups, cleaning, shopping, gift wrapping and more. 

The Water Street Cafe is located at 132 E. Water Street in Washington. It is open Sunday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.