By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The frenzy of activity at Niles' Riverfront Caf/ during the past week resembled an edition of television's Extreme Home Makeover.
Friday was the grand re-opening of the popular eatery.
From new seating arrangements to the expanded Abigail's Attic, from the game room to new comfort foods added to the menu, owner Tammy Watson is thrilled with the changes.
Introducing Watson, Four Flags Chamber of Commerce President, Ron Sather, referred to her college days as a waitress and the 22 years she has spent helping to run her husband's tree trimming business, as great qualifications for the business she first undertook with a partner.
"When my partner retired, I had to look at what I wanted to do next. I placed inserts in the menus and asked my customers what they would like to see. The business was actually several businesses in one: restaurant, gift shop, catering, and I did not think I was ready to do all that on my own. I actually began to think about selling it, even though I knew it would break my heart," she said.
That was when daughter Allison and the rest of her "kids" many of whom have been with her since the caf/ opened, approached Watson and said, "we can do it."
"Do what?" was Watson's reply.
When the team said they would develop the new ideas and run the restaurant, Watson took them seriously. She told them she would act as CEO and be involved in all stages of the business.
"But I told them I didn't want to know if they ran out of lettuce at noon, or if staff were not getting along for a moment. I would oversee the big items, write the checks and of course have the loan in my name," she said.
She refers to the young people now in charge of the day-to-day operation as the new owners. Watson said she just bit the bullet, invested some more money and turned it over to them.
"I literally just threw them into the deep end. I am excited to see just how people react to the changes. We have kept the old favorites, as far as the menu goes, but our new hooded grill and deep fryer can take care of those who crave something other than a sandwich or salad," Watson said.
One of the new managers, Tyler Dreibelbis, agreed.
"Everybody has those days when they just want a good burger and fries. We will also have chicken fingers, onion rings and beer battered mushrooms. All our healthy choices are still available. Our tomato bisque soup, paninis and salads are all still here. There will be no one who cannot find something they want quickly on this menu," he said.
The upstairs gift shop has now tripled in size with vintage dresses dating back to the flapper era, t-shirts, items for children and babies, purses, handbags and luggage.
There is still seating for private parties of up to 45 people in the gathering room, also located upstairs.
The staff was included in every phase of the renovations. The team worked together to create the best place they could with something for everyone.
"Tammy listens to all ideas. She believes there are no dumb ideas and really listens to everybody," Dreibelbis said.
One of his favorite new things is the addition of draft beer. There will be two light beers and one regular always on tap, with a fourth that will vary.
"We are starting out with Blue Moon, but it will change regularly to allow our customers to try different beers. Tuesday to Saturday we will feature a daily drink special. We will be closed on Mondays," he said.
The d/cor features old framed photos of Niles' yesteryears. They continue to look for old black and white photos and ask that anyone having a photograph they would like to see displayed on the walls, to submit them at the restaurant.
Smoking will be permitted after 9 p.m., as long as a neon sign giving that permission is lighted.
Watson says that regardless of the time, if families are in the establishment with their children there will be no smoking.
Music remains a standard feature at the Riverfront Caf/. Friday a live band will appear, Saturday there is a D.J. and if you decide to stop in on a Thursday evening you can participate in karaoke night.
There is no cover charge.