Better lighting and a more visible location are some of the benefits owner Andreas Wurzrainer has seen since moving his restaurant to a different building.

Christopher’s on Whidbey opened Saturday in its new location in Coveland Village located on the corner of Coveland and Alexander streets in Coupeville.

The restaurant had anchored Mariner’s Court on Front Street for years, but Wurzrainer decided to move as soon as the new building one block away was ready for occupancy.

Wurzrainer said several other reasons factored into moving, primarily the desire to occupy a more open, modern space. The windows on three sides provide a lot more lighting into the restaurant, which allows people to notice an active restaurant when they peer inside.

“You know things are happening and you know people are in the restaurant,” Wurzrainer said.

Another plus for the new location is the parking lot, which is an advantage for a town where parking is at a premium.

Wurzrainer closed his old restaurant May 15 and then had everything moved in time to open May 20.

“It’s been just insane,” Wurzrainer said.

The new Christopher’s has a few less seats than the old spot. However, that will change in a couple of weeks when he opens up a patio that will provide an additional 20 seats for guests. He hopes to have the patio seating available sometime next month.

To capitalize on the outdoor seating, he is planning to stage a barbecue night one time a week, where he will offer a selection of meat and seafood. However, he doesn’t know when that will happen. He’s too busy making sure customers are satisfied with the new location.

“It’s important that everybody who walks in here has a good experience,” Wurzrainer said.

While Christopher’s location has changed, its popular menu hasn’t. He continues to offer Pacific Northwest cuisine featuring local and regional ingredients. Christopher’s also offers a selection of beer and wine.

Wurzrainer has owned Christophers on Whidbey for almost five years. He lives in Coupeville with his wife, Lisa, and their two children, Sebastian and Tia.

Christophers is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m to 2 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. For more information about Christopher’s on Whidbey call 678-5480 or visit on the Internet at www.christophersonwhidbey.com.

Christopher’s isn’t the only business moving into Coveland Village. Sundown Quilt Shop recently opened in a neighboring building next door to Christopher’s. That business will share space with Bayleaf, which has yet to move.