Inside 43215: Downtown Dish
BIG BEE-DAY
January is a big month for important holidays; there’s New Years, MLK Day, and National Pie Day.
This month also marks the first birthday of Queen Bee. Actually, the Bee is one of the oldest restaurants in town. Practically a historical monument, the place made its original debut in 1949. Jean Perry bought the restaurant a year ago, and her Queen Bee will be one year old on January 23.
The Queen Bee was originally opened by a Greek family in downtown’s Central Market. The Market’s gone, but the restaurant still operates at 248 S. Fourth Street. It even survived a fire in 1996.
As the new owner, Perry kept many of the classics that defined the Queen Bee eating experience. She notes, “There are daily specials, great tomato beef soup, pot roast Thursdays… spaghetti and meatballs, and great cheery service.”
She should know about the service. Perry clearly loves the spot, and chances are good that the owner will be your server. Perry’s put her own accent on the restaurant too. The decor has been modernized, and visitors will also find plenty of modern dining options – like a grilled cheese sandwich flooded with warm cheddar, Swiss and feta. There’s also an Angus burger topped with smoked cheddar and deep-fried onions.
Like the original Queen Bee, the baby Bee is open daily for breakfast and lunch.
