[Photo credit Jeff Smith/The Leader]
Sometimes, things take a long time to get where they need to be. Over a decade ago when we were relocating to Bath, my family and I stopped at the Chat-A-Whyle restaurant for lunch. I remember saying to my wife and daughter “I guess we’re going to be spending a lot of time here.” Then the reality of things began to soak in.
The food was not that good–akin to an institutional cafeteria. Several trips back over the next year with family and friends led to the decision that this eatery was just not for us. It’s not that the place wasn’t popular either, as many people thought that it was a great place to eat and socialize. The sticky buns were a local legend and would later prove to be a point of contention. Then one day it was closed.
Bath has never really stood out in terms of its restaurants over the past couple of decades. The “highest-end” establishment of any longevity has been the Liberty Street Pub. Other ventures have appeared in the past to offer a bit more, but over time they too have closed after a short run. Some places have incredible potential such as the Old National Hotel— which is a case study in doing absolutely nothing of merit with a whole lot of resources.
So it was with great interest that our community learned that the Chat-A-Whyle would be reopening sometime in June— with a new owner! Dillon Towner, nephew of longtime operators John and Joyce Loza, bought the restaurant and immediately started putting exciting changes into play. Upgrades to the façade and interior decor were noted by all in passing. What was left to the imagination is where the menu would go— same old or something new. That day proved to be June 15th, 2021.
Towner has a history with the restaurant. His first job at age 15 was working there. Later he attended culinary school and had nearly a decade-long career with Hershey Entertainment in Pennsylvania. As to his basic vision for the restaurant, he states “I’m glad to be back. The menu is changed to be more modern and we use as much local produce as possible.”
In this writer’s estimation, he has hit the bulls-eye. My family and I have eaten there several times now and were well satisfied with the quality and flavor of the food. Eggs Benedict is a real trick to make right, and they have got it down solid. While the menu is not incredibly large, it offers a great selection of tasty food and the environment is very relaxing and conducive to socializing.
From day one of opening the place has been wildly popular. This is a great shot in the arm for Liberty Street and the village. With other things going on, opening up or in the works, our main street is getting busier. New Mayor Mike Sweet is properly proud of the changes too. He says “The Village of Bath is alive and well. This is probably the most active I’ve seen the downtown area in many years.”
Good things do indeed come with time— especially when there are those who are willing to invest in things other than pawnshops, junk shops, social service agencies, and religious endeavors. As was said in the movie Field of Dreams “build it and they will come.” If you haven’t been there yet give them a try— you won’t be disappointed.
The only thing that would make this better is the day Mayor Mike and the village trustees get rid of the rest of those stupid damned parking meters…
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