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Retired Dayton firefighter to reopen restaurant
A restaurant that was a well-known landmark in the Belmont neighborhood is poised to reopen under the ownership of a retired Dayton Fire Department captain and his family.
The new establishment will be known as Angie’s Firehouse Tavern and will be located at 703 Watervliet Ave., in a facility that once housed Angi’s Restaurant and more recently Kelly’s Corner Cafe. It is owned by retired firefighter Pat Reed, who is being assisted in the project by his two daughters and their husbands, along with the labor and renovation expertise of some of his former fellow firefighters.
“It’s always been my dream to have a restaurant with a tavern,” Reed said. “I wanted a place with character. I didn’t want a cookie-cutter franchise type of place.
“This place has character, and it was just screaming to be restored.”
The “place” was a popular neighborhood hangout during the 1980s and 1990s when it was Angi’s, a restaurant best known for its cabbage rolls. Angi’s was replaced by Kelly’s Corner Cafe, which operated for several years before closing about two years ago.
Angie’s Firehouse Tavern will open as a tavern the first week of July, Reed said, but the full restaurant service will have to wait another six months, while workers make extensive renovations to the kitchen.
When the kitchen work is complete, “We want to be known as a restaurant with a bar, not as a bar with food,” Reed said.
And yes, the cabbage rolls will return. Reed has several recipes he’ll test, including one that is purported to be very similar if not the same as the cabbage rolls served by the Angi’s of yesteryear. He’ll let the customers decide on the final recipe.
“We’ll try to make cabbage rolls as good as people remember,” he said.
Reed will let some of the excellent Dayton firehouse cooks round out his menu beyond the signature cabbage rolls. Once food service is in full swing, he’ll invite firehouse cooks to submit recipes that will become weekly specials, and if the customer response is enthusiastic, the dish will secure a permanent spot on the menu, with the originating cook’s name attached to it.
The retired captain’s former firefighter colleagues also have been assisting with the renovation, pitching in to help fix the roof and upgrade the heating-air conditioning system.
“It’s been a group effort,” Reed said.
Permalink | Comments (44) | Post your comment | Categories: Restaurant openings
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By Angel
May 27, 2011 9:05 AM | Link to this
I worked at Angie’s wnen the Cunninghams owend it all through the 90’s and as a little girl went to the original Angies. There was no better place to be than Angie’s The best. food, fun, family and friends. As of for the food Rick and Anita only had the best and the best was the CABBAGE ROLLS, HOME MADE SOUPS and ALL THE GREAT HOMEMADE DAILY SPECIALS and many of the others. Linda made the Cabbage Rolls, SOUPS AND DAILY SPECIALS that had people standing out the doors waiting to eat you could smell them cooking for blocks. NO ONE has these recipes they are a all family recipe’s not even the owners at the time had them. I wish the new owner’s the best of luck because I love this place.
By Cathy Walker
May 5, 2011 8:44 PM | Link to this
I used to be a cook at Angie’s back in the day! I worked along with Lil and Ethel and I know all the original recipes of the parikash and the “cabbage rolls!” Matter of fact, I just made a batch of the cabbage rolls the other day and they were awesome!! If the new owner wants the original recipes, I have them!please reply to my email!!
By Debbie Bonner
February 16, 2010 5:02 PM | Link to this
Wow - this place was owned by my dad and a couple of his friends in the 80’s and 90’s. My first job was washing dishes there for 5.25 an hour. Lil made the cabbage rolls, my mom hand breaded the tenderloin, and someone made this chicken paprikash that had bright orange sauce and sold like hotcakes! NOT easy one to clean off the dishes. I cannot wait to see what the cabbage rolls turn out like. I happen to have a really great recipe if interested could submit it for postarity sake. I wish you the very best of luck on this and will be visiting frequently. Thanks for bringing something great back to Belmont!
By Dee
January 10, 2010 10:56 PM | Link to this
I tended bar at Angi’s in the mid-80’s before enlisting in the U.S. Army. My dad (who would be 86 today) was a retired City of Dayton firefighter (captain). Best of luck to you, Mr. Reed and family!
By Stacey Woods Skopeck
July 3, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this
I know this endeavor will be a huge success. I know the Reeds and have worked for and with them in the past. These are wonderful people who will strive to delight their customer base. Please support their effort to restore to Dayton the traditional family operation. Choose familiar service over being a number at the chain restaurants. You won’t be disappointed by the hard work, and commitment to integrity that the Reeds will give to you. I can’t wait to visit from Germany in August. Best of luck to you, and thank you for going out on that independently owned business limb!
By Stacey Woods Skopeck
July 3, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
I know this endeavor will be a huge success. I know the Reeds and have worked for and with them in the past. These are wonderful people who will strive to delight their customer base. Please support their effort to restore to Dayton the traditional family operation. Choose familiar service over being a number at the chain restaurants. You won’t be disappointed by the hard work, and commitment to integrity that the Reeds will give to you. I can’t wait to visit from Germany in August. Best of luck to you, and thank you for going out on that independently owned business limb!
By Eileen
July 1, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this
Congratulations on the reopening of Angie’s. My dad, Ed May, spent lots of time there after he retired. Thank you for bringing it back as it has lots of family memories. Best of luck and much success. Eileen Lee
By mike
June 26, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
Anyone know the history of Angie’s? I know my Granddad used to frequent the place before I was born. 40’s, early 50’s. How old is Angies?
By excitement
June 24, 2009 6:34 AM | Link to this
This is great for the city of Dayton when everything else is going out. You go boy….Good Luck!!!
By john colocotronis
June 23, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
i cant wait for it to open. love cabbage rolls. maybe he can have a greek salad with ret fireman David Casey’s greek dressing, Andi’s
By rosieflyer
June 22, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this
Why does everything good that happens in Dayton turn into an attack on Mayor McClin and the city. Support this and other local businesses and forget the franchises!
By SmokedCabbage
June 22, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this
Blame it on the smoking ban tbill? I didn’t know that people smoked cabbage.
By Strange
June 22, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this
We get a new restaurant, good for the area, and some pathetic loser takes this an an opportunity to attack hardworking, life-risking firemen. Only on these boards.
By Dick Starnes
June 21, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this
I can’t think of a better idea that I have heard of in a long time. Good luck Pat. My brother is a former Dayton firefighter that is a retired Captain in Atlanta. He is also a great cook! by Musicman
By Mitch's Buddy
June 21, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
Great concept Pat! Looking forward to the great menu and good times. See you in July.
By Fisherman
June 20, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
…With Mayor McHat’s reputation,and her disdain for the Dayton Fire Department she’ll be looking for a way to close it down…
By city employee sister
June 20, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
I think this is a fabulous idea.. Mom and Pop places always seem to be the best place to visit.. Very personable.. I am sure it will be a fabulous place to eat and enjoy a cold one.. And nothing better than some homemade cabbage rolls.. They are the best.. Good luck and look forward to coming there for lunch or dinner!!
By Obvious
June 20, 2009 6:31 AM | Link to this
You mean restaurants aren’t just open every third day rolls? I’m sure he didn’t know that and that you have made him reconsider…
By rolls over chapter 11
June 20, 2009 3:05 AM | Link to this
24/7. Not 24/48. Can you work this hard fireman. I doubt it.
By Heidi Ho
June 20, 2009 12:31 AM | Link to this
I’m very excited to have new places open up in Belmont. Contact me to join the Friends of Belmont group :)
By Firewalker
June 19, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
Having known Pat for 17 years I can say without a doubt that he will be a success and that he will pour his heart into this venture. I wish you the best brother, I will definitely visit often.
By Kevin
June 19, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this
If he is interested I know the person that made the famous cabbage rolls back then and she is still rockin the roll. I will check back here and see if he sees this and wants a name and number
By A Friend
June 19, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this
Please patronize this place! I have worked with Pat and cannot say enough good things about him. He served Dayton well and deserves her support. God bless.
By MX502
June 19, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this
My wife’s grandmother use to make those famous cabbage roles.
By Super Cool
June 19, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
Great news! My family and friends well be patrons.
By Lisa
June 19, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
Go getem Pat! Can’t wait..How fun! See ya soon..
By tbill
June 19, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
Angie’s tried to blame closing on the smoking ban. We’ll see. Best of luck; can’t wait to try the cabbage rolls, guys!
By Anxious
June 19, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this
I wish you all the luck in the world! It’s the good “mom & pop” things that are the best!! Can’t wait to visit.
By Oldweasel
June 19, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this
It will be good to get cabbage rolls again at Angie’s. They were the best in town.
By Rosalie
June 19, 2009 12:20 PM | Link to this
Wonderfull. Keep up teh family traditions. See you when you have your opening. Was this restaurant famous for your cabbage rolls? Yummy! cabbage rolls? Y7umk
By RETDPDSGT
June 19, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this
Good luck with the new venture, we will be there to lend our support…it would be nice if the city of Dayton would contribute in some way to assist you.
By Arnie
June 19, 2009 9:35 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait. That is the best news in a while.
By RJS
June 19, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this
That is great, I remember Angie’s for cabbage rolls. I work downtown and it will be great to come and taste the fare once the foodservice is up and running.
By MC
June 19, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
Yea! We just drove by there the other day and commented that we wished they would reopen, You can count on us!
By sue
June 19, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
Deborah, it is on E. Fifth Street at LaBelle.
By Belmont Resident
June 19, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
This is great news! We will definetely be up to enjoy a cold one at the tavern! Thank you Pat, we look forward to meeting you and enjoying your new business!!
By Bob
June 19, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
This is great! What a neat idea to have several cabbage roll recipes and recipes from forehouse cooks and let the patrons decide their favorites. Best of luck!
By POV
June 19, 2009 9:03 AM | Link to this
I know this man…he is the genuine article. Hopefully Dayton will support him as he works to bring something new to Belmont!
By WayToGo!!!
June 19, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
This is the kind of stuff we need more of around here. You can count on us, Mr. Reed - we’ll support your venture because it sounds like you’re going to open the kind of place we all love. THANKS!!!!! and good luck! Dayton is behind you!
By localguy
June 19, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
Let’s hope Judge Rose doesn’t see this and shut the place down. Angies List can claim a trademark violation and Jerk Rose will rule that the word Firehouse is sovereign to government entities.
By Deborah
June 19, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this
Great news! Support local Dayton business! Quick question:where is the pizza place near stivers?
By Cat
June 19, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
We were just talking about Angie’s the other night! Can’t wait for you to open up. Good luck!!
By Greatful!
June 19, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
Thank you Mr. Reed for bringing a little bit of life to my beloved Belmont. With Kelly’s being closed, Ace leaving it is good to see new life around here. I will definitely be a patron…Good luck!
By Skeptic
June 19, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this
More good news in Dayton! Along with the new pizza place near Stivers, that makes at least 2 new restaurants in the city this month.