“The Verdict” is in, and the food is good – or at least that’s the general consensus of those visiting the Court Square’s newest restaurant.

Located in the Prestwood Building, The Verdict is owned by Christy Cartwright of Gantt and features both a lunchtime and nighttime menu.

Cart-wright’s husband, Rick, is the chef.

“Christy had the idea (of opening the restaurant) because there wasn’t a lot of variety of things to eat near the Courthouse,” Rick said. “So far, business has been brisk, so she must’ve been right.”

There are daily lunch specials offered, like today’s meatloaf, he said. Other favorites include traditional lunch fare such has hamburgers and sandwiches.

The dinner menu includes steaks, seafood and pasta, he said.

“My specialty is the Bourbon Street rib eye,” he said. “I can’t describe it – all that seasoning. It’s just wonderful.”

Also, many may remember the couple’s son, Gordie, who was dubbed the “Cornbread King” after winning the national 4-H Cornbread Cook-Off last year.

Gordie will also be trying his hand at the grill, Rick said.

“He says he wants to be a chef,” he said. “We let him try it out when we’re not too busy. He’s pretty good, too, if I do say so myself.”

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.