ROYAL CITY - Judy's, a popular eatery for years for travelers on Highway 26 and the local community, will re-open under new management this Thursday, March 1.

Managers Juan and Estela Cuevas will specialize in American cuisine. They hope to make breakfast their featured meal time, especially with the farming community.

"Eggs, omelettes, hash browns, breakfast meats and pancakes," Estela mentioned as samples of the menu.

Lunch time will feature a salad bar, hot and cold sandwiches and hamburgers and hot dogs.

There will be no dinner menu, but Saturday's will feature a house pork specialty known as "Carnitas."

The Cuevases live in the Mardon area. Both are Royal High School graduates. Estela left a job as a teacher assistant in the Royal School District to take the new assignment.

"We've always wanted a business of our own," she said. "I'm scared. I just want the business to be good."

The Cuevases have signed a two-year lease for the business. The property remains in the hands of Imelda Rodriguez.

"If it goes well, we buy it," Estela said.

Judy's was started in the mid-1990s by then area resident Judy McDonald. She opened in a modular building west of the current site and then moved. Her operation included a fruit stand, in season. So will this one, Estela said.

The Cuevases are starting with a fresh look. They repainted the exterior and interior completely. They replaced the old carpeting. They plan a grand opening for Saturday, March 3.

Judy's will operate from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. But Estela said she's prepared to alter the hours depending on customer feedback.

Estela plans to be at the restaurant seven days a week. She will be a server and assistant cook. She's hiring a more experienced lead cook.