Restaurants
Some of Licking County's well-known restaurants from years past.
Kelley's Dairy
Main page Kelley's Dairy
Kelley's Dairy was founded in the 1920's by George Kelley. The Kelley family opened a restaurant, located on West Church Street, in 1947. [1]
Kelley's Dairy was a place of friendly social gathering. Families would come together for a meal or a bite of ice cream and socialize with one another. The Kelleys took pride in the fact that, even if a patron was alone, others, usually regulars, would include them in conversation. The restaurant had built its own community. [2]
Unfortunately, Kelley's Dairy closed December 24, 1990 due to high costs of operation and losing business due to large fast-food chains.[3]
M.J.
Natoma Restaurant
The Natoma Restaurant was opened in 1922 by George Athan, a Greek immigrant, who named the restaurant after an Indian Princess from a popular opera of the time.[4] In 1951, George’s son, Angie Athan, took over the business. The restaurant stayed under Angie's management until he passed away in 1999 and his children, Alexi, Dean, and Georgeann, took over the reins.[5]
The restaurant was originally located at 24 N. Park Place, but in 1934 it moved a few doors down to 10 N. Park Place, where it remained until its closure in 2010. The closing of the Natoma resulted from debt that had started to accumulate and delinquent state taxes that caused the restaurant to lose its vendor’s license. Although last ditch efforts were made to save the restaurant, no deal could be reached and on April 30, 2010 the Natoma closed its doors for the last time.[6]
C.P.
References
- ↑ Licking County Historical Society, "Scenes of Yesteryear," The Advocate, October 21, 2002.
- ↑ Jacobs, "Landmark Newark Restaurant-Dairy Bar is Closing for Good Christmas Eve."
- ↑ Jacobs, "Landmark Newark Restaurant-Dairy Bar is Closing for Good Christmas Eve."
- ↑ French, Betty. “Natoma Café will celebrate 78 Years of Giving to Community”. Advocate. December 15, 1999.
- ↑ Mallet, Kent. “Behind the Scenes: Natoma closed after building deal failed” Advocate. May 9, 2010.
- ↑ Natoma Ends as Downtown Icon” Advocate. May 1, 2010
