This article was originally published in the January 25 print edition of  the Scuppernong Reminder.
The hustle of the lunchtime crowd.

The clatter of dishes.

Cheerful conversation.

All these elements are at the Scuppernong Millhouse Bakery and Cafe.

Sandy Silverdahl, owner, said she had the idea for a restaurant for about ten years.

“I have always wanted to be in a business for myself and I have always had an interest in

cooking,” said Silverdahl.

Silverdahl said she was painting houses at the beach and the opportunity to start something different came up.Silverdahl took over the business in Feb. 2010 and did extensive work on the building area she acquired.

“When I came in, it was a restaurant area and an antique shop. The person who had the antiques left. I just expanded and had to add tables and equipment,” said Silverdahl.

Groups like the Red Hat Ladies, RiverRoaming Tours, and beach tourists use the Millhouse.

An estimated 50 to 80 lunches are served a day, a number which has grown from the initial 20 to 30 lunches that were served at the beginning.

Joseph Pledger and Ms. Jean Lofland work with Silverdahl.

Sandy does the food preparation. Joe helps with the cooking and Jean runs the register and waits on people.The restaurant was featured in an ending section of an Oct. 2012 “Our State” magazine article.

The section labeled “5 things not to miss in Columbia” had this to say about the Millhouse:

“With a few chairs outside on Main Street just down from the water and tables situated among

local artwork on the inside, every seat is pleasant at this well-known local spot. The menu has daily

specials, and each meal comes with a cookie.”

Silverdahl gave more details regarding the menu and business.

“ We do some homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers, chicken tender and shrimp baskets, salads,

daily specials and box lunches. We also do catering and eat in or take outs for groups,” she said.

The bakery is a separate business and is no longer based at the café. However some products are still carried by Silverdahl.

For over 15 years, the Greater Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce has supported the businesses and community in Tyrrell County. The Chamber also supports thevisittyrrellcounty.com website, county tourism projects, educational programs, community events,seasonal bazaars and River Town Christmas. Business and individual memberships are always available. The Chamber Board meets on the third Thursday of every month at the ColumbiaCrossing Restaurant (8:00 am). For more information, contact Chamber President, Monica Mauffray at 252-796-6777