Windham – Monica’s Café is slated to open early February 2011 in the old T&J’s Restaurant located in the Shops of Windham next to the Sparkle Market in Windham. The first question I asked owner Monica Welton was why a restaurant in this economy, and why now? Monica responded that she had always wanted to have her own restaurant and when the opportunity presented itself she felt now was the time to do it.
Welton grew up in Windham and now resides in Freedom Township. She has never owned a restaurant before but has had twelve years experience as a cook, inventory control and supply purchasing. She has also had a lot of experience in the catering field. Owning a restaurant is a new venture for her, but she says she is up for the challenge. Monica sought out professional advice and enlisted the help of her husband, DJ, family and friends to help her get the business launched.
The last few weeks for her have been a total whirlwind, ordering supplies and equipment, designing a menu, figuring out seating arrangement, décor, hours of operation and, of course, all those permits one needs to open. If that wasn’t enough, Monica volunteered to cook January’s free community meal at the Renaissance Family Center last week too. She was using this as a community service opportunity and to introduce herself and her food to the community. A win/ win for everyone.
One can expect the café to serve home-style foods made from scratch. The menu will showcase homemade soups, entrées, salads, and fresh bakery. They will also have daily specials, and even features like “Italian Night.” Breakfast will be served daily and those who eat out often may want to join the “Breakfast Club.” The Breakfast Club offers a punch card, when you purchase nine breakfasts, you receive the tenth breakfast free — unlike the movie, detentions will not be required to join the club.
Other plans are to offer a delivery service to the businesses community in the Garrettsville and Windham area, fish fries on Friday night, fresh fruit in season and more.
The Café is open Sunday thru Thursday 7 a.m. -7 p.m. with hours on Friday and Saturday 7a.m.– 9 p.m.
