‘Time to go’: Carmel’s restaurant to close; owner says new business coming to site

Byers, 68, said he is retiring and selling the business, which specializes in Mexican-themed food, after 17 years. A local group, which Byers declined to identify, approached him about the property.

“And considering all things and my age, it just seemed the time to go,” he said.

“The timing’s great,” Byers said. “It can take a long time to sell a restaurant and it appeared to me … this was the right time. And the people buying it, I’m really confident of their future with the property. I think it’s just going to be a great fit.”

In the restaurant business, “many don’t survive and I’ve just been very blessed.”

Byers previously owned Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers restaurants in Beavercreek, Dayton, Kettering and Troy. The last one he owned — near The Mall at Fairfield Commons — was sold in 2019.

Carmel’s was opened in the late 1970s by Jack Putnam and his wife Vicki, Byers said. It featured reasonably priced menu options, a sizable patio and potent margaritas, a combination which attracted a loyal customer base. Before Carmel’s, there was a Parkmoor Drive-In restaurant on the site.

Byers bought the property in 2006 for $465,000, according to county and state records.

“I will miss the thousands of great guests who over all these years supported our success … You have provided income and sustenance to our staff,” Byers said in a Facebook post announcing his decision.

He hinted that the group he’s selling to has big renovation plans for the site.

“I will let the new owners make their own announcement of the great hospitality to come,” Byers said.

While not eager to sell, “as we talked, I realized this group will continue the great tradition of everyday value and hospitality,” he said.