Business

Ask Matt ... about new sandwich shop

Sandi's KItchen is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. every day but Sunday.

By Matt Matteson, Published: July 12, 2018

Q. What do you know about the new restaurant in Horse Shoe on Highway 64 West?

The corner storefront in the Horse Shoe Plaza mall has been less than kind to restaurants. Casualties include MoJo's Coffee, the Horse Shoe Grill, and just recently Bandana's. But there is a new chef in town and her name is Sandi Novak. I asked her why when so many other eateries have failed, hers would break the chain. Novak said it's a combination of knowing the business and knowing what customers want. The business part is hard to dispute. Novak has 30 years in the food service industry and holds a CIA certification (that's Culinary Institute of America, folks). Her concept is light breakfasts and pastries but you can get a breakfast wrap if you want. The lunch menu offers 10 different sandwiches plus soups and salads. You order at the counter and food is brought to your table but it's not served on china. Sandi's Kitchen uses eco-friendly biodegradable plates and cups. She said it saves water too. Sandi's Kitchen is open from7:00 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Saturday. They plan to do lunchtime catering in the future. Hey, if you can make it in Horse Shoe Plaza, you can make it anywhere!

Q. How are the animals housed at the county animal shelter cared for at night and are they safe?

Yes, they are safe. Brad Brayfield, Director of the Henderson County Animal Services Center confirmed that there is an employee at the Stoney Mountain Road facility every day to feed and clean but there is no one on a continual basis during non-operating hours (5:00 pm to 8:00 am and on weekends). Brayfield did share that our local law enforcement officers are trained to properly check-in dogs and cats when the Center is closed to the public. Based upon what I observed at the facility and my "conversations" with the dogs and cats, there was no reason to believe that the animals were not well cared for and secure.

Q. I read where the Mills River Town Council voted for a 5-lane widening of NC 191 from NC 280 to Mountain Road. Will they really need all five lanes over the French Broad basin where it is swampy and a center turning lane is questionable?

According to Brian Burch, NCDOT Division Engineer, the NC 191 project (R-2588-B) is being designed for a 5-lane undivided section within the town of Mills River but only a median divided 4-lane section from Ladson Road to South Rugby Road. This would include the river crossing. Burch added that the 4-lane section is the state's preferred highway alternative. However, Mills River asked for the five-lane design and it should function adequately when built.

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Send questions to askmattm@gmail.com.