The old wooden floors creak and the front door sticks a little as it squeaks open at The Gilbert House , an East Valley eatery that opened in 2004. The farmhouse family feel is made more authentic by the staff's real family dynamics.

Caitlin Erickson is now the second woman in her family to own and operate The Gilbert House, tucked in the Farmhouse Village. More than half a decade ago, Erickson said she’d like to take over for her aunt, the restaurant’s founder, Susan Wright. In April, that dream became a reality.

About a mile south of Gilbert’s Heritage District , a white picket fence and wrap-around patio frame the classic green-trimmed Sears Craftsman home. The original 576-square-foot farmhouse has been serving for 21 years, offering diner-style breakfasts and lunches elevated by

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