Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

MIDDLETOWN — A new train station has chugged into Middletown, though it offers food instead of transportation.

It's the new Bar-B-Q Junction restaurant on Roosevelt Boulevard, in the space formerly occupied by Damon's. It has been open since late March, but it becomes official at 5 p.m. Friday, May 16, with a grand opening celebration.

The restaurant is co-owned by Middletown City Councilman David Schiavone, Ron Decker and Mike Treadway. It serves barbecued ribs, pork and beef, along with burgers, steaks and salads, all set against a railroad motif. There's a railroad crossing at the door, with a model train running on the inside above the entrance.

Since the unannounced opening in late March, "We've had a great response from the community. People have been here six, seven, eight times. The word of mouth has just been fantastic," said Schiavone.

Customers have especially responded to what Schiavone called "authentic Southern cooking," in which food is slow-roasted using a rotisserie, and barbecue is applied via a spice rub rather than sauce.

Local bands will play on Friday and Saturday nights. This weekend, local favorites Rob Hoffman and Jay Brunner will provide the music. Hoffman coordinates the entertainment bookings, Schiavone said.

Another regular feature will be the car cruise-ins, which will take place once a month. There will be an informal cruise-in with a few cars this Saturday, Decker said.

The hours of the restaurant are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

Vote for this story!