By incorporating the history and essence of Covington, sisters Andrea Smith and Gina Davis have created Square Perk, a café at 1105 Church St. on the square.

It’s the ideal place for friendly get-togethers, whether it’s moms who want to meet for some adult conversation after the kids go to school, or to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich.

There are historical aspects of Covington infused into the DNA of the restaurant. Their tagline, "where friends meet," originated when the building housed City Pharmacy. According to Smith, in the 50s and 60s, the drug store was where teens bought their shakes and malts and hung out. When Smith discovered this, she and Davis decided they wanted to keep that.

"The owners of the building were ecstatic to hear about that." Smith said. "It was their father who owned the building back when it was City Pharmacy."

The restaurant also adds some pop cultural references in its name. The 90s TV show "Friends" had their characters gather at a coffee shop called "Central Perk."

"There’s no denying the show had a little influence on us." Smith said. "Our mugs are just like theirs ... But we also thought it was a good play on words, because the grassy area in the middle of town is called square park. It was the same thing in "Friends;" it was Central Perk, a play on Central Park."

The restaurant’s menu ranges from biscuits and gravy, grits and eggs for breakfast to made-to-order panini sandwiches and homemade chili for lunch and dinner. They have also retained some of A Touch of Country’s favorites, like Frito Pie and Lemon Sours. Their desserts come from Sweet Treats.

Smith said they change things up with featured recipes and may soon add blue plate specials, the old meat and two sides restaurant staple.

The restaurant is certainly living up to its tagline. It has a play area for children up to kindergarten. They also play host to music performances on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Smith noted the café is also attracting Bible studies and youth groups. A chess club meets once a month there to play chess and Red Hat ladies recently visited to celebrate a birthday.

"We know that citizens of Covington are very proud of their historic square, and our goal is to enhance their experience on the square," Smith said. "And we’ll always be there to serve them with a smile."

Square Perk will extend its hours on Thursdays to 10 p.m., when Candle Light Shopping on the Square begins on Nov. 18.