By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

Posted 07-24-09

 

New management with a new menu and a new attitude have taken over the southwest corner of Cleveland and 11th avenues, said Michael and Tamara Mayfield, the new owners of the Linden Cafe.

 Thursday evening, the Mayfields gave friends, family and dignitaries a sneak preview of the restaurant at 1393 Cleveland Ave.

 The building will be open for breakfast and lunch beginning August 3 with traditional fare and new items for the health conscious.

 "Whether you want a muffin or a hearty breakfast, we'll have something for you," Mrs. Mayfield said.

 She plans to keep her job in banking while working part-time with her husband at the restaurant.

 "I'll do anything he needs, except cooking," Mrs. Mayfield said.

 Her husband promises a quality atmosphere, complete with Wi-Fi Internet service and a 42" television, as well as quality food and quality service.

 "We want to be a blessing to the community," said Mr. Mayfield, who grew up in the Linden area.

 Many of the guests at the preview already regard it as such, including donna Hicho, executive director of the Greater Linden Development Corp

 The former cafe at the site had connected with the community as part of the Four Corners Project.

 "When the Linden Cafe closed it was like a corner was lost," Hicho said. "People are extremely excited that it is opening again."

 Clarence Lumpkin, dubbed the "mayor of Linden, said the reopening of the cafe goes a long way toward rekindling the spirit of the neighbor and sending a message to residents and nonresidents of the area that Linden is primed for business.

 Four Corners, with the cafe, social service agencies and community organizations is but a beginning for the neighborhood, he said.

 "Now we need people with knowledge and perseverance to step forward," Lumpkin said. "We need our young professionals, people who have moved out of the community, to come back and share their skill and moral principles."

 Although the Mayfields have no previous restaurant experience, they have found a customer base with their catering business. Retired Police Chief James Jackson, who attended the preview, said they have catered some events for him.

Lashawnda Sweeney, owner of Soulful Delights catering along with Tequilia Colvin, said they plan to rent the cafe kitchen for some of their food preparation.

 ''There aren't enough African-American restaurants in this city," said State Sen. Ray Miller, who urged support of the cafe and other black-owned businesses.

 Resolutions of support also were presented by State Rep. Tracy Heard and Amy Williams on behalf of State Rep. W. Carlton Weddington. James Ragland represented City Councilmember Charleta Tavares. School Board Member W. Shawna Gibbs also attended the preview.

 Many family members are involved in the cafe, including Conika Floyd, a young cousin.

 "It's a beginning of a new chapter in our lives," she said.

 A thumbs-up from one of the attendees trumped other accolades, that of Grandma Ramona Howell.

 "I'm loving it," she said."I'm so proud of them."