RENO, NV - The name is after the expression, "mad as wet hen" and some would say you have to be mad to open up a business in these uncertain economic times.

"Out first week we had repeat customers in one week. The same customers and we already have clientele built up just in the 5 weeks we've been open,” says Jackie Handlin of “The Wet Hen.”

Handlin says the breakfast and lunch restaurant has been a dream of hers and her husband for more than a decade.

“Can't sleep at night sometimes worrying if you are doing everything correctly, but the response we've had from customers, other people, and help flow has been amazing. People want us to succeed,” says Handlin.

That customer good will could be why we are seeing clusters of small local restaurants opening up here in the Truckee Meadows over the last year.

The Great Basin Brewing Company took this spot once occupied by a franchised "On the Border" near the end of October.

Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs will be a year old in this location in Southeast Reno in May. They are currently looking at another 4th location in Sparks soon.

'The Squeeze Inn" has a third location on Foothill Drive opening up on Friday.

Those are the dreams of Handlin who for now just has one location on Longley and McCarran in Reno. But she believes if you can build a good clientele, with good service and good food, they will come.