After four months that involved despair, reflection, determination and sheer hard work, Vanessa Macmullen will reopen The Garden Plate restaurant tomorrow (Monday).

Lismore's favourite vegetarian/vegan restaurant was going through some last-minute electrical issues when the Lismore App stopped by for a chat.

"The coffee machine was working half an hour ago, now there's no power. My light's were working for the last week but today we have no lights," Vanessa said, "Luckily our electrician is close by."

"Our electricals took a long time to fix, there was a fault out the back that they couldn't find for quite some time."

It was after the second flood at the end of March that Vanessa said to herself "I can't do this again".

(The damage post flood inside The Grden Plate)

"I said I've already been cleaning for a while now, do I really want to put everything back in here to have it happen again. I mean how long until it happens again after it happened within four weeks (of the February 28 megaflood)."

"Anyway, I pulled myself together and thought no, I'm going to do this, I am not a quitter and I'll keep going."

Vanessa has done a lot of the work herself over the past three and a bit months but has had the help of family and friends on the way.

"I had staff come in and help me, one lost their home, plus I had some friends come and clean up, as well as my brother. Then it was waiting for tradies and waiting for quotes to get approval before they could come and do it (the work) and then you might not see them for a week. I just wanted them to finish a job so we could move on."

(Vanessa and the team ready to swing open the doors on Monday)

Vanessa's damage bill was not as bad as some a she managed to save quite a lot of equipment. Her coffee machine was upstairs next door where it was thought to be safe, this was the most expensive loss.

The grant process has helped with the cost of rebuilding.

"It wasn't easy, I had to go to the uni to the Hub to get help but I have got the first twenty five ($25,000) so far and I will apply for more once I've spent the money."

Regular Garden Plate patrons will be happy to know the food will be the same as pre-flood as Vanessa and the team welcome back customers tomorrow.

(A vegan big breakfast at The Garden Plate)

The outdoor area at the back of the restaurant is also ready to receive customers.

To begin with, opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

You will find The Garden Plate at 86 Magellan Street.

As always Lismore, get it and support another local business who has worked tirelessly to reopen.