HORSEHEADS, NY (WENY) -- A local restaurant in Horseheads is looking to turn the keys over to a new owner, with hopes whomever might take over will keep its family atmosphere and charm. 

"The family atmosphere is what makes this place. That's what Sugar and Spice has always been about," said Third-generation owner of Sugar and Spice, Joyce Cunningham.

The first Sugar and Spice location opened in 1964 on Gardner Road and West Lake Street in Horseheads. Cunningham and her sister Janice Rojas said it opened because it was their mother Betty Pease's dream.

"I was 15 at the time and I had to get my working papers, but I jumped right in. I worked with mom and dad until it was time for me to go to a different educational training. [At] that time, Joyce was old enough to step in so she helped them with the business. They ran the business until 1990..." said Rojas.

The community enjoyed having breakfast and counter top conversations until 1990 when Sugar and Spice had to close because of Pease's medical problems.

"So, from 1990 to 1997, Sugar and Spice was empty. Then one day, my sister approached me that there was an empty restaurant on Watkins Road and she said, 'Come on, Jan. We can do it, you know we can.' I said, 'Yeah Joyce, I know we can,'" said Rojas.

Patrons from the past are now a thing of the present. Customers alike who step through the door can agree, it's a family-friendly restaurant.

"The food is very good, but it's the socialization and the friendly atmosphere," said Sugar and Spice customer, Mary Susan Skelly.

Cunningham said at her restaurant, the customers become friends and even like family.

"People come in here and they know us and that we care about them. We talk to them, we care about them. I think that means a lot to people, especially [those] who are alone. They feel comfortable coming here by ourselves because they know they're going to have us to talk to. Sometimes they have problems and they want to talk to somebody... and that atmosphere means a lot," said Cunningham.

Cunningham said it was a difficult decision to put her restaurant up for sale, but it's because she's getting older, working seven days a week, and wants to enjoy life with her husband.

"I just want to tell [the customers] I appreciate them coming in and supporting our family and coming to our business. I love them all like they're family. I'm going to miss everybody but they are going to see me ... It's going to be a hard thing [once someone buys Sugar and Spice] and adjustment but, I'll be around. I'm not going anywhere," said Cunningham.