All Good Things features classic comfort food in former Neufeldt's in Aumsville

Warm blue colors, flowers and the smell of fresh coffee welcomes you when entering All Good Things, Aumsville's newest restaurant.

The restaurant is owned by Sarah Smith and her family. She is the former owner of Sugar and Spice Bakery in Lyons. The space was formerly Neufeldt's, which had been owned and operated by Jay, Jary and Esther Neufeldt since 1993.

Smith said she had been wanting a restaurant space since she operated her bakery. When the spot popped up on the market, she thought it was "the perfect fit."

Since opening, Smith said she's kept a good relationship with the now-retired Neufeldts. About half of the former restaurant's staff were retained when Smith took over.

The space was secured in May, and Smith officially got the keys and opened in August.

All Good Things was a name that one of Smith's cousins came up with. She said it aligns with what they want to provide.

The space got a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, and some interior décor updates. Part of the front now has a couch and more comfy seating. There are soft, morning glory blue accents from the hanging shade fixtures and on the panels of the space dividers.

Neufeldt's was previously well known for its breakfast and lunch, which Smith said has helped during the transition. Now, she is trying to promote dinner service and drink additions, including espresso and eventually a full bar.

The breakfast and lunch include the likes of an English muffin breakfast sandwich, biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, pancakes, sandwiches and salad. The menu is small for now as they want to do the basics well before adding more, Smith said.

When Smith imagined the restaurant she would eventually run, she didn't initially think of a diner, but "it feels right" now that it's finally open, she said.

Smith grew up in Lyons and attended Stayton High School. She said the appeal of owning a restaurant was primarily fueled by her love of the social atmosphere.

She's thankful for the staff, old and new, as they've helped create a warm environment, which drew her into the service industry initially. She's also happy to have regulars and the familiarity of knowing their specific orders and taking care of them the way they like.

"It's just been a lot of fun ... even when it's hard," Smith said.

Extra seating in the back of the restaurant is open and can be reserved for larger parties up to 40. To reserve the space, call the restaurant at 503-749-4095.

For updates on the restaurant, check out the Facebook page.

Hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday

Address: 190 Main St., Aumsville

Em Chan covers food and dining at the Statesman Journal. You can reach her at echan@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @catchuptoemily.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: All Good Things offers comfort food in former Neufeldt's in Aumsville