Bill and Flora Senseman turned it into a restaurant in 1944 and in ’57, Sam and Ethel Moore became the new owners until 1969 when their son, John, took over and ran it until 1999.
So it has been more than a half century since Sam and Ethel Moore of Tipp City and later their son, operated the eatery.
Long purchased the business from a two-year partnership operation this year and he’s looking forward to his first Thanksgiving in the restaurant.
The building at 120 East Main was constructed in 1868 and was initially a shoe repair shop and then an ice cream parlor.
Long, a lifelong resident of Tipp City, has maintained the family-operated tradition with his two sons, Derek Long, 24, and Graham Long, 21, as short order cooks. “They are both Eagle Scouts, so they have that creativity (about cooking),” said Long.
Derek’s wife, Heather Long, works the grill.
The other head cooks in an operation that has 18 workers, are brother and sister Denny Stine and Debbie Painter. One of the head waitresses is Renee Johnson, whose son, Justin Johnson, handles beverages.
And every member of the family resides in Tipp City, so are well-known.
For many years, the prime time for the restaurant was breakfast and lunch,” said Long. “And the restaurant hours were much shorter, usually closing at 3 p.m.
“We intend to make it a full time and full service restaurant while preserving many of the menu favorites of the past, but we have also offered new selections and daily specials.
“And it’s good to have family members working together, providing jobs for them and building family pride.”
The 50-year-old Long, for 28 years a sales manager for a plastics firm in Vandalia, said the restaurant’s slogan is: “Preserving history, value and a taste of home.”
Some of the dinner specials include Turkey Reuben, Stuffed Green Peppers, Mexican Lasagna, Cabbage Rolls, Swiss Steak, Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken Enchiladas. Regular standby dinners are Liver and Onions, Grilled Tenderloin, Deep Fried Shrimp Basket, Chicken Finger Basket and Seafood Platter.
Dinner prices range from $6.99 to $7.99 and sandwiches from $2.99 to $5.99. There’s also a children’s menu.
Sam & Ethel’s is now open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The phone number is (937) 667-0113.
Contact this writer at (937) 236-6032; mickeyz@zoomtown.com.
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