By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Tim Melendy is still working out a few kinks with his staff, but the co-owner of Café 256 couldn’t be happier with the welcome the business received its opening weekend.

The café has filled an average of 50 tickets a day since it opened Friday, and Monday’s lunch service was packed, he said.

“It went very well,” he said. “I am very pleased with how it went.

Café 256 is now open in the space formerly operated by FamLee Bakery.

The Melendys have hired local cook Bobby Magathan to prepare breakfast dishes and a lunch menu of hot sandwiches, salads, and chili and soup specials.

“Cinnamon rolls will be available all day,” he said.

Melendy said he is glad the café’s service has been busy but manageable as he and four full-time employees learn their jobs.

“I don’t think everyone knows we are open yet, but I didn’t want to be bombarded until we got all the loose ends tied up and figured out,” he said.

A computerized order system needed to be changed and tweaked, which was the greatest challenge, he said.

The cafe will have its grand opening on Halloween. The restaurant will give out five free meals on its official opening day.

Café 256 will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Tuesday, and close Wednesday and Thursday.

“I think that will work out pretty good,” he said. “On Mondays and Tuesday other eating establishments are usually closed, at least on Monday — and no place else is open on Sunday.”