The Courtyard Café: Serving exotic, seasonal, gourmet food

    HOULTON – Loyal and satisfied customers, along with an ever-changing gourmet menu is what keeps the Courtyard Café, located in the Fishman Mall at 61 Main St., in style and in business.
    For 10 years, Joyce Transue, owner and operator of the Café, has been serving up a variety of exotic and special items for her menu that changes with the seasons and that, along with perseverance, dedication and lots of hard work and long hours is what she feels is the secret to her success.
    Joyce not only listens to customer feedback, she often encouages it and responds to it. Most recently she has honored patrons’ requests to expand her line of bottled home-made salad dressings.
    Pending regulatory approval, the Courtyard Café will add Greek and White Wine Vinaigrette flavors to the existing Raspberry Vinaigrette label. “Customers have said ‘If you bottled this, we’d buy it’ and so here we go,” said Joyce.
    The Courtyard Café has evolved into a restaurant that appeals to anyone whether it’s for a business lunch or a romantic meal; her service and her monthly features create an inviting atmosphere for those who are dining.
    But Courtyard Café’s services are not only limited to customers coming off of the street, they also offer  catering services, both on and off her premises, for group gatherings, weddings, office luncheons and house parties. No event is too big or too small for Joyce and staff because providing fine food and service is their goal.
    The restaurant’s success also results from the fact that Joyce has created a niche for herself with her gourmet cooking and for the past 10 years, it’s been a demand that she has been willing and eager to fill.
    “I have a great passion for this business … otherwise I don’t think I would have put in the 150 percent that I’ve given it,” Joyce said, noting that she is appreciative of the support she has received from her family, friends, employees and the customers.
    “I would like to thank the community — all my customers — for their support,” she added.
    Joyce also credits a supporting staff for their attention to detail, good service and polite help they consistently deliver.