New owners say Willow Hill restaurant will reopen as Golden Century Cafe; pledge upgrades and community focus

Three partners told the Board of Trustees during public comment on Oct. 9 that they will buy the Willow Hill restaurant and rebrand it the Golden Century Cafe, closing on Oct. 20 and planning a short closure for renovations and a grand opening a week after reopening.

Mark Brasher introduced himself and partners and said they will replace carpeting, add new awnings, paint the interior and adjust the menu. He offered a promotional plan that will include five weekdays of free coffee and soda around the grand opening and a 30 percent discount for police officers in uniform. Brasher said they plan to join the Chamber of Commerce and be active local business participants.

A longtime restaurant entrepreneur who identified himself as having operated multiple restaurants encouraged the board to support the new owners and described how reinvestment at a neighborhood restaurant can attract more customers and additional businesses to nearby commercial corridors. Trustees and staff offered practical help: the village suggested promoting their grand opening on the municipal website and including promotional materials at the Oct. 25 Ghouls and Goblins event.

Discussion and context: speakers repeatedly described the new owners’ intention to invest in the property and to participate in community events and fundraising. Staff and trustees identified nearby businesses that have recently opened and encouraged the new owners to connect with the village’s economic development committee and the business outreach events the village runs.

No formal action was required or taken; the remarks were recorded as public comment.