Instead of going to the usual spot for dinner tonight, head to Gibsonville and try The Post Office Eatery. The four-month old restaurant, although slightly off the beaten path, is a quaint dining alternative.

Owner Dave Sherrill has worked in restaurants such as Applebee's and Sagebrush Steakhouse for more than 30 years and decided to finally open one of his own. The building used to house a post office in Gibsonville many years ago and still has some mailboxes still inside.

The low-key community atmosphere of Gibsonville was one reason Sherrill liked this current location. He said the community has accepted him and he loves the feeling of being welcome.

"It's a perfect little town like you'd see on TV," Sherrill said. "It's just awesome—the people and merchants are wonderful.  There's no better place."

The menu features many traditional American food options with some healthy alternatives such as whole-wheat pasta. Sherrill's favorite dish on the menu is the 14-ounce rib-eye steak.

"We hand-cut our own steaks, buy our fish locally and get as much produce as possible from local venders," Sherrill said.

The same care that goes toward the food also went into the decision on prices.

"If you compare our prices to other places in the area, they are significantly less—not just slightly, but multiple dollars," he said. "You can't get these low prices locally."

The most unique aspect about The Post Office Eatery is how involved Sherrill is. He said he's not just the owner, but also the cook, the busboy, the server, the washer and everything in between.

"I try to talk to and meet everyone," he said. "It's a really cozy, comfortable small town restaurant where you don't have any of that hustle and bustle. It's just a nice, relaxing place."

Some future plans for The Post Office Eatery include Wild Wing Wednesdays, Ladies' Night Thursdays, live jazz music and all-you-can-eat-shrimp and karaoke on Fridays.

Sherrill hopes to do things other restaurants don't  necessarily do. He said he would really like to cater to Elon students and other local residents. The Post Office Eatery is located in downtown Gibsonville on 128 W Main St.