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New owners of Whistle Stop announce March 8 grand reopening and community block party
Summary
Kempenalva Johnson, who identified themself as owner of Cass Ventures, told the Collegedale City Commission the Whistle Stop will hold a grand reopening and block party on March 8, with a ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m., expanded menu items and continued local hiring.
Kempenalva Johnson, owner of Cass Ventures, told the Collegedale City Commission at its workshop that the locally known Whistle Stop will mark a new chapter with a grand reopening and community block party on March 8.
"The Whistle Stop has become a valued landmark and gathering place in the greater Collegedale area," Kempenalva Johnson said, saying the owners sought to "preserve what people already love about the restaurant while strengthening its role in the community." The owners received approval for a new sign that staff said will be installed later this week.
The managers said they have refreshed the menu with more family-friendly offerings, including vegetarian options, and will continue to employ local staff. The upstairs event space is already being used for special events, the owners said, and they encouraged commissioners and residents to come see the second- and third-floor event areas.
Commissioners and staff pressed the owners for logistics details. A co-owner confirmed the ribbon-cutting ceremony will run from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., and the public block party will operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with face painting, a bounce house and family activities. The owners said they will provide commissioners with a press release and a flyer outlining the block party.
The owners asked commissioners to support the reopening and to consider attending the ceremony.
The city manager said staff would follow up on the sign permit and the public-safety logistics for the block party. The owners noted they planned to continue emphasizing local history and community partnerships as they operate the business.
The commission did not take a formal vote; the discussion concluded with staff and the business agreeing to follow up on final logistical details.
