Serving Up Dreams: How One Couple Turned a Move Into a Culinary Mission

When Jayne Garver and her boyfriend John packed up their lives in Illinois, they weren’t just relocating—they were carving out space for a long-held dream. Through the MakeMyMove program, they found more than a change of scenery. In rural Indiana, they discovered affordable living, a warm and welcoming community, and the chance to finally open their own restaurant.

Their journey began, like many, with a casual scroll through Facebook.

“We saw an ad for MakeMyMove and were intrigued,” Jayne recalled. “We’d been thinking about making a move for a while—something slower paced and more affordable. This felt like a sign.”

That moment of curiosity sparked a journey that would eventually take them to White County, Indiana—home to scenic drives, peaceful farmland, and the launching point of their new venture, Flavor Country Urban Diner.

From Congested Streets to Open Spaces

Jayne and John had spent years in a densely populated suburb outside of Chicago. While the city’s culinary scene offered incredible opportunities, the lifestyle came with a high price—both financially and emotionally. The cost of living was steep, traffic was relentless, and space was hard to come by.

“Groceries were expensive, property taxes were high, and we were always surrounded by noise,” Jayne said. “It got to a point where we realized we don’t have to live like this.”

They began researching their options and quickly realized that Indiana checked several boxes, including affordability and the opportunity to live on more land. Though it had been several years since Jayne had visited the area when she went to Indiana Beach, an amusement park from the 1920s known for its nostalgic boardwalk, roller coasters and riverboat trips on Lake Shafer, they knew little else about White County but the region’s combination of serenity and outdoor appeal caught their attention.

Jayne applied to the MakeMyMove program and was surprised by how easy the process was.

“Within a week, we were talking to people in the area and getting connected to realtors,” Jayne said. “Debbie Conover from White County Economic Development was incredibly helpful. She introduced us to a realtor who had also relocated through the program. It made everything feel so personal.”

Soon after, the couple found a rural property on two and a half acres in Monticello. It was exactly the kind of space they had dreamed about - peaceful, private and perfect for starting fresh.

Opening Flavor Country Urban Diner

While settling into their new home, Jayne and John wasted no time getting to work on their long-standing vision—opening a chef-driven modern diner with heart, soul and serious flavor.

John, a professional chef with more than 20 years of experience in Chicago kitchens, had long wanted to open his own restaurant. The concept for Flavor Country Urban Diner had been simmering for years, and now, in downtown Lafayette, it was finally coming to life.

“This isn’t your average diner,” John says. “It’s a celebration of flavors from all over the country. Every dish has a story.”

The menu features iconic sandwiches inspired by regional favorites – think ‘The Horseshoe’ (Springfield, IL), ‘Fried Onion Burger’ (El Reno, OK) and Chicago-style Italian beef—alongside inventive appetizers and elevated comfort food. They’ve also put a creative spin on classic diner staples, creating a space that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Located just across from the courthouse and close to Purdue University, the restaurant is poised to become a local favorite for students, professionals, and families alike.

“Lafayette is one of the fastest-growing cities in Indiana,” Jayne said. “We’re excited to be part of that momentum.”

Embracing a New Community

While launching a new business is a full-time endeavor, Jayne and John have made time to get involved in their new community. Jayne joined local social groups like Monticello Delts, supported fundraisers, and they’ve became regulars at the area’s farmer’s market. They’re also looking forward to exploring the local rivers and trails, something they never had time—or space—to do before.

“We’re planning to get a canoe or raft soon,” John says. “There’s something really peaceful about the idea of floating down a quiet river.”

That connection to nature is part of what’s made the transition feel so refreshing. Jayne says that while she expected to find more affordable housing in Indiana, she hadn’t anticipated how welcoming and friendly people would be.

“Everyone has been so supportive—restaurant owners, neighbors, local business leaders,” she said. “People here care. It’s not just a place to live; it’s a place to belong.”

Planning for the Future

Although the restaurant is their primary focus right now, Jayne and John are already thinking beyond the diner. With the space and affordability they now enjoy, they’re exploring the idea of investing in local real estate—possibly a vacation rental or another business venture once Flavor Country is more established.

“We finally feel like we have the freedom to dream bigger,” Jayne said. “In Illinois, it felt like we were constantly trying to keep up. Here, we’re building toward something real and lasting.”

Their move has also inspired them to reflect on how programs like MakeMyMove can reshape communities—not just for new arrivals, but for longtime residents as well.

“By bringing in remote workers and entrepreneurs like us, small towns can boost their economies, support local businesses, and fill gaps in the population,” Jayne said. “It’s about creating a future—for everyone.”

A Move That Changed Everything

For Jayne and John, the decision to relocate wasn’t just about finding a new place to live. It was about creating a new life—one where they could live more intentionally, support a community, and finally bring their culinary vision to life.

“MakeMyMove gave us a path forward,” Jayne said. “We’re living proof that these programs work—and that they can make a real difference.”

From the quiet roads around their country home to the pedestrian-filled streets of Lafayette, the couple is settling into a life that finally feels like their own. And with Flavor Country Urban Diner recently opening its doors, they’re not just serving food—they’re serving possibility.

“There’s something really beautiful about starting over on your own terms,” Jayne said. “This move gave us that. And we’re just getting started.”