Since Ben and Erin Napier’s HGTV series “Hometown,” visitors, tourists, and even life-long residents of Laurel are finding out about the great businesses that the city has and continues to attract other businesses to open in this charming small town.
Nestled among the ancient oaks and timeless history of the city, Laurel has become quite the vacation or weekend destination. One of the newer restaurants that opened up not long ago is definitely a “must visit” location on your trip. You can dine at the Bird Dog Café, stay at their AirBnB, or enjoy a lazy weekend evening enjoying the music, games, and hospitality that always shines under the sparkling lights behind the adorable and colorful home close to downtown Laurel.
The Bell Brothers, Connor and Elliot, love the charming city and wanted to “bring new and exciting culinary options to Laurel.” With a deep love for the community, it was important to them to help “cultivate a place that everyone wants to be.” It was their dream to bring a fine dining establishment to Laurel. Appreciating and knowing the importance of Farm to Table dishes, the Bell Brothers source their ingredients locally and are deeply devoted to finding wonderful ways to give back to the community that they love so much.
These are two brothers with “one passion,” bringing only the best quality food and hospitality to Laurel. Growing up, Elliot always had fabulous skills in preparing food, and he knew that was what he wanted to do all his life. His creative culinary skills have taken him to restaurants and bakeries in Florida, including stops at Watercolor, Grayton Beach, and Abrazo. The former Sous chef at the Laurel Country Club even served as a Butcher in Waikiki, Hawaii.
Connor’s specialty is his “love for people.” His warm hospitality always creates “a welcoming and rich experience” for all guests and visitors that come to visit their exquisite restaurant. He also spent time working at several restaurants in Florida, but he and his brother wanted to bring something special to Laurel.
“Together, they’ve created Bird Dog Café, a spot that combines a home-away-from-home atmosphere with fine-tuned, high quality food and service.” When you visit the Bird Dog Café, you’re not just customers; you’re family.
The Bird Dog Café was featured on “Hometown” as the Napiers helped to renovate the home into a cozy fine dining spot in Laurel located on Short 7th Ave. “It takes good stock to make good soup,” Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee said. “Connor and Elliot Bell come from good stock.” He has served with their grandfather on the Laurel City Council since 1997 and has thinks very highly of the family.
“We couldn’t be more excited for downtown and the Bell family,” Mallorie Rasberry, owner and VP of Procurement. “Seeing them bring these buildings back to life and the addition of a delicious restaurant is exactly what we’ve bee dreaming of for our downtown area. We love seeing Laurel’s young folks take pride in their craft and come back home to make a difference. So proud and thankful for their investment and involvement in Laurel’s comeback story.”
The next time you’re in Laurel, stop by the Bird Dog Café for delectable pastries, a refreshing drink, and enjoy some music, and good company. For more information, visit their website at Bird Dog Cafe.
*Photo courtesy of Bird Dog Cafe.