New restaurant opens at Artists on the Bluff

Capers on Park Avenue, a new restaurant owned by chef Jay Roberson, welcomed its first customers for a soft opening on July 15.

The restaurant is located in the auditorium of Artists on the Bluff and features comfort foods such as mac-n-cheese, turnip greens, black-eyed peas and others. Diners can buy meals that include a meat and one, two or three sides, or purchase a plate of several sides.

Darla Williamson, an artist and teacher at Artists on the Bluff helped greet customers and said she was impressed with the turnout. Some of her classes at Artists on the Bluff are at lunchtime, and she said the restaurant would give a good meal option to her students.

“I am excited because I also live in the neighborhood, and since my classes are around 1 p.m., it’s nice for my students to have a chance to eat either before or after,” Williamson said.

New Bluff Park Elementary School Principal Terry Lamar said he is looking forward to having the restaurant close to Bluff Park Elementary.

“The only issue I see is me sneaking over here to get lunch,” he said.

Lamar said he also plans to bring new teachers to Capers on Park Avenue during training in August.

“That’s how you know I like it,” he said.

Roberson and his wife, Lynn, walked among the tables talking with customers. Lynn said the restaurant will be open for Sunday brunch every week and there are plans to work up to serving dinner in addition to lunch.

“This [cooking] is his whole life and for him to be able to do this here is just wonderful,” Lynn said.

Capers on Park Avenue is open from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday.