Pssst, let me tell you about the new eatery in Hamilton.

PSSST Takeout Bistro has opened in Magnolia House, at 119 Front Street, in the former Honey’s and Double Dip space.

It offers a variety of pizzas, salads, subs and sandwiches, sweets and treats, including vegan and gluten-free options.

There is table seating for 10, inside and on the terrace, in addition to takeout service.

Kara Simmons Montano is the owner, while her husband Jeff is the manager and head chef. The business also supports a full-time chef, part-time chef and three part-time front of restaurant staff.

Ms Simmons Montano also runs Kara’s Kitchen, which specialises in meal preparation for diabetics, the elderly, and people who are attempting to lose weight.

“Although I love doing healthy meal prep, this restaurant is my cheat meal,” she said.

“I realised the need for a place with a diverse late-night menu and somewhere that does really good desserts. It is the menu of my dreams, it’s simple and clean.”

Ms Simmons Montano says she has “worked a lot of hours over the last 14 years of my life” in the restaurant business to realise the dream of opening her own operation.

“We want to make this a more viable block in the City of Hamilton,” she said. “We want to make this block attractive so that you go to Docksider for a drink, to Rosa’s for some tacos and here to get dessert or pizza when you are on the go.

“The response so far has been good about the food, we have a lot of repeat customers. The people who know we are here are coming back.”

Ms Simmons Montano remains full-time restaurant manager of both Rosa’s and Chopsticks, while contributing to the new venture during her time off.

Mr Montano, who works full-time in the business, worked in the hotel industry in his native Mexico for eight years before arriving in Bermuda six years ago.

The couple met while working together at Rosa’s.

The restaurant is a true family affair; Kara’s mother, Maureen, is a cashier, while brother Michael works the takeout counter, and sister Courtney makes the desserts.

Aside from the daily menu, PSSST is offering a late-night menu on Fridays/Saturday mornings of pizza slices, two sandwich options, and desserts.

PSSST Takeout Bistro is open Mondays from noon until 5pm, Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon until 9pm, Fridays from noon until 4am on Saturday, Saturdays from noon until 10pm, and Sundays from noon until 8pm.

• PSSST can be contacted by calling 261-EATS (3287)