Locals love Roy & Betty Lou’s Ol’ Garage Café.
Every small town needs a place for locals to share a cup of coffee and talk about the good old days. Thanks to its dedicated family of owners, Roy’s Service Center and Betty Lou’s Ol’ Garage Café fills this role perfectly. In business for 55 years, Roy and Betty Lou Hovermale built the place up from a humble gas station on the corner to the gas station, auto service center, deli, convenience store, and cafe it is today.
Roy and Betty Lou’s granddaughter Buffy Farris has grown up with the business, watching it grow and expand, with uncles, cousins, and Buffy’s own husband all playing a role in the day-to-day duties. Her mother, Cindy Hovermale, “pretty much runs everything here,” Farris says with affection, and is always caring for the local community, donating deli food and surplus goods to anyone they hear might be in need. “It’s just something that has always been taught to us growing up,” she says. “You just help others out as much as you can.”
That spirit shows that Roy and Betty Lou have built not just an enduring business, but also a place where locals feel safe and welcome. “You become like family with your customers because you see some of them every day,” Farris says. “We’re a very tight-knit community.” Even though they’ve passed most of the responsibilities on to their descendants, Roy and Betty Lou themselves still make a habit of showing up from time to time. “My grandmother, up until a year or two ago, was here every morning baking 12 or 15 pies,” Farris says. “I’m hoping to continue that tradition.”
So next time you’re in Berkeley Springs, stop by and say hello to the family. They’ll welcome you like one of their own. 205 South Washington Street, Berkeley Springs, 304.258.3559
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