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Get to Know Gerson's Garden By Allison Westlake Bill and Siri Wilkinson, owners of Gerson's Garden, have their own tale of moving back to their roots. Bill, whose family moved from nearby Lineville to Delaware when he was a child, never thought he would return to Alabama. But aer a short visit to see family, wife convinced him to relocate from their home in Rehoboth Beach to the quiet and slower pace of Roanoke. In 2013, the Wilkinson's opened Gerson's Garden in downtown Roanoke to sell the produce that they grew on Bill's grandfather's farm. Four years ago, an ordinance allowing the sale of alcohol in Randolph County passed and the couple expanded the market to include a restaurant that would sell beer and wine. e twist? e Wilkinsons are vegetarians, and their restaurant would be vegetarian. "We originally started with small plates and focused on the beer and wine. But as our customer base has grown, we have expanded to now include a full menu," says Siri. Both Siri and Bill bring experience working in the service industry and have a passion for putting healthy food on the table, especially sharing their values of vegetarianism with the community. Siri, who became an avid cook aer meeting Bill, attributes their menu and recipe development to being open to change and trying new things. "at's really been our approach all along. We have a great staff and very loyal customers," says Siri. "We love creating good, healthy, vegetarian food and showing people how easy and simple it can be to eat this way." As the restaurant celebrates its fourth anniversary this summer, the Wilkinsons are excited to see what is in store. Having closed the market, they are focused on the restaurant. e Wilkinson's are enjoying being back in a small, close-knit town, enjoying time with family and excited about their restaurant. "We love living here and love that we are so close to Bill's family," says Siri. "It's a great community to be a part of." 4. 7 www.apcshorelines.com