Finders Keepers, formerly Cafe au Lait, opened this month after the business underwent extensive renovations. 

A downstairs kitchen was knocked out, allowing room for more tables. 

Owner Paul Moran said he was pleased with the look of the building, both on the inside and out. 

"I think it has come up really well. It looks great," he said. 

"We closed in December 2013 and opened (not long ago) - so it has been closed for a while.

"I think it's important, in this industry, that you keep on evolving."

Mr Moran said the business was closed while the City of Greater Bendigo redeveloped and reconstructed the road and footpath along Mitchell Street. 

He said he liked the new look of the streetscape and said it allowed the business to have more tables out the front. 

"It was a little pain for a lot of gain," he said. 

"I think it looks great. It has helped out our business a lot."

Mr Moran said the eatery was a cross between a cafe, restaurant and a bar. 

"It's hybrid. Like lots of places in Melbourne - I think you have to be in this day and age.

"We have a good variety on the menu and it's affordable pricing."

Mr Moran said he was hoping customers took to Finders Keepers like bees to honey.

"We are really excited about opening. We have some great regular customers but are looking for some new ones," he said. 

"The great thing about the location is your get the sunlight unlike in Bath Lane."

Mr Moran said the name Finders Keepers was symbolic of the days of the gold rush in Bendigo.

The eatery is open Monday to Thursday, from 7am to 5pm, Friday 7am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. 

For more photos from the opening night, visit www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au