Rucker’s late parents, Luther and Minnie Rucker, met at a restaurant called Goody Goody, a popular hangout on Salem Avenue in the 1950s. Both would go on to work in food-service, her father as a chef at the Dayton Engineers Club, and her mother as a pastry chef. Patricia herself would study culinary arts at Sinclair Community College and launch her own catering business, Tricia’s Delicious Catering, a decade ago.
>> BEST OF DAYTON: What's your pick for the best burger in Dayton?
And last month, Rucker opened a café inside the Dayton Metro Northwest Branch Library at 2410 Philadelphia Drive near Salem Avenue, not far from the long-gone Goody Goody restaurant where her parents first met.
>> ALSO NEW TODAY: PHOTOS: Century Bar reopens with same character and spirit but added elbow room
“Being able to open here is just a complete blessing,” Rucker told this news outlet Wednesday.
Credit: Mark Fisher
Credit: Mark Fisher
Rucker initially applied to operate a café inside the downtown Dayton Metro Library, a contract that went to another operator. But during the interview process, she learned that the northwest branch was also seeking someone to oversee a café. She was selected.
“It all worked out, and it was heaven-sent,” Rucker said.
>> Treat your sweetest to dinner at one of the most romantic restaurants in Dayton
The cafe is located just inside the main entrance to the library, and it serves sandwiches, breakfast items, smoothies and coffee Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Plans call for adding Saturday hours later.
The menu includes a Reuben Panini, BLT, Grilled Chicken Panini, Bagel Sandwiches, Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls, and Salad Deluxe.
>> PHOTOS: Bellbrook-area luxury home on market has French country style
“I enjoy meeting new people daily, and I am delighted to have so many repeat customers,” Rucker said in a library release. “It is always a pleasure to meet and greet children who are excited to see me here. It is an honor and a blessing to have been chosen to have Tricia’s Delicious Café here at the Northwest Library.”
About the Author
