Downtown restaurant to celebrate first update since ’70s

Cafe’ Montgomery to hold grand re-opening

Café Montgomery will celebrate the grand opening of its upgraded space at 10 a.m. Thursday with a ceremony featuring dignitaries from the city, state and county, said Keith Trammel, the cafe’s operator.

Trammel said the eatery, a partnership between Montgomery County and an Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities program, opened Jan. 27 in a remodeled space inside the Montgomery County Administration Building, 451 W. Third St. in downtown Dayton.

OOD’s federally-funded Business Enterprise Program offers the legally blind franchise-like opportunities to manage cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars and vending machines in government buildings.

Trammel, who is legally blind, has 20 years of experience in the BE program and a background in food services.

The 100-seat restaurant on the county building’s sixth floor is open to the public. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

County spokeswoman Cathy Petersen said the building’s cafeteria had not been upgraded since the county building opened in the early ’70s. The full cost of renovations was not readily available.

The updated space employs three and has grab-and-go snacks, a salad bar and a menu that includes Panini sandwiches and healthy food.

“It is a great little place for people to gather,” Petersen said.

The “green” restaurant uses no Styrofoam materials and features sustainable packaging and products.

Contact this columnist at arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com or Twitter.com/DDNSmartMouth

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