Across the U.S., many historic post office buildings are being renovated for businesses and homes. Among the more high-profiled examples: Last year Donald Trump’s real estate company signed a 60-year lease agreement for a landmark 1899 post office building on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., where he plans to open a 271-room upscale hotel with two presidential suites.

Another example involves a Kentucky physician who recently renovated a 1930s post office in that state, according to This Old House magazine, turning it into a luxurious home. In the process, workers discovered Cold War-era “safety notification postcards” that people fleeing air raids mailed to notify loved ones detailing their whereabouts, and uncovered secret tunnels used by postal supervisors to spy on employees.

About five years ago, the late Bob Wallack and his wife, Victoria, opened a restaurant in the former post office building at 366 Pond Road in Mt. Vernon. The building, which once served the postal needs of locals and summer people alike, now houses the Olde Post Office Cafe, which has become a popular gathering place for locals and out-of-towners.

One resident who stopped by for a bowl of creamy haddock chowder recently (served often on Fridays) said he enjoys the restaurant because it’s a place where everyone knows your name. A variety of soups and chowders are served during lunchtime hours along with salads, quiches, paninis, sandwiches and wraps.

“Everything here is made from scratch,” said Jay Ducharme, who’s been cooking at the restaurant for several years. “We get all of our vegetables from local farms and we use farm fresh eggs.”

Wallack had retired after three decades in the newspaper business when he opened the restaurant. He learned how to cook for large groups while spending a summer cooking at a nearby camp. He was known for the unusual and delicious dishes he concocted.

Current owner Sarah Chaisson was employed as chef/baker/manager while Wallack was alive. She baked all of the pastries, which are some of the most popular items at the restaurant and available for takeout. Giant chocolate chip cookies, scones, coffee cake and plump cinnamon buns line the counter.

“The cinnamon buns are yummy,” said one customer who stopped in to pick up an order.

The breakfast menu is a big draw at the restaurant, with the breakfast panini being among the favorites, according to Ducharme. The sausage scramble made with local eggs, sausage, roasted red pepper and cheddar cheese — with choice of house whole wheat, rye, or sourdough white toast — is another favorite. For those who are more adventuresome, the smoked salmon bagel with Maine cold-smoked salmon on a toasted bagel with whipped cream cheese, tomato, red onion and capers might sate the appetite.

Summer hours have ended and the restaurant is now open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner on Saturday only. Among the special entrees are chicken pot pie topped with savory biscuits, stuffed pork loin with caramelized onion, sage and Swiss cheese, pan roasted salmon with fruit salsa, garden mac ‘n cheese made with fresh vegetables, and duck drumettes with spicy peanut sauce.

As if the food isn’t enough, the main dining room offers views of beautiful Minnehonk Lake, while the work of local artists livens the walls.

Ducharme said another restaurant plus is the staff. “We’re like a family here,” he said. “We prepare our food with love.”