HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- A beloved local building has found new life. The former Rosar's Bar in Horseheads has been transformed into a cozy family diner called Around the Square. The diner is just steps from the heart of the village, and on Monday, December 30th, it celebrated its grand opening.

Behind the scenes are co-owners Rhonda and Matthew Rogers, who have turned the space into a restaurant where the community can come for home-cooked meals and friendly faces.

"Matthew and Dylan, we've been going at this for just under two months [and] had to take it from a really worn-out old bar to a family establishment," says Co-Owner Rhonda Rogers. "[This is a] good home, food for everybody, lots of old-timers coming in of all ages."

For Rhonda, opening Around the Square was a labor of love. Over the last two months, she and her team have worked tirelessly to turn the space into a warm, welcoming family establishment. Some parts of Rosar's are still part of the new diner, including the wallpaper with pictures showing everything around the Southern Tier. Other parts, like the kitchen, are brand new.

The diner didn't take long to win over its first guests. Among the crowd at the grand opening was Village Mayor Kevin Adams, who didn't hold back when describing his breakfast order. 

"I can go word for word on that," Adams said. "It was eggs over easy, sausage, rye toast, and the most delicious home fries I ever had."

Other visitors, like Andy, were drawn in by the promise of something new and the opportunity to connect with his friends.

"I always like trying new places. meet new people. The owners seem really nice. They came out and talked a bunch and uh, just a nice family-friendly atmosphere," Andy told WENY News. 

The team behind Around the Square has big dreams for the diner. Dylan, who works closely with Rhonda and Matthew shared his excitement about the future.

"I want to show the support in whatever way I can just try and help bring this dream to life," said Dylan.

With its warm atmosphere, welcoming staff, and classic comfort food, Around the Square hopes to become a go-to spot for the Horseheads community. Whether it's eggs over easy or a friend conversation over coffee, the diner is serving up more than just food; it's creating connections.

The Rogers told WENY News they recommend their pancake griddle; a full order of eggs, sausage or bacon, toast, and two pancakes. 

Around the Square is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are located at 114 John St, Horseheads, NY 14845.