Starvin Marvin’s second location in Middletown has indoor dining space

A year ago, Nicole Nelson was struggling. She was hungry for a meal and to change her life.

“I woke up one morning thinking ‘I am a starvin’ Marvin’,” she said.

ExplorePHOTOS: A look at the new Starvin Marvin's in downtown Middletown

And Starvin Marvin’s was born in a tiny location on Tytus Avenue in Middletown. On Tuesday, a second location with plenty of indoor seating will open at 1131 Central Ave. in the former Mz. Jade’s Soul Food space.

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

“Our biggest complaint from customers was they wanted a place to eat inside,” Nelson said. “We have been open year now and we said, ‘let’s give our customers what they want.‘”

The comfort food, including big burgers, loaded fries, nachos, quesadillas, chicken, fish and ice cream desserts, has been served up at the Tytus location to thousands, especially to patrons of the neighboring Lakeside Inn, but most got the food to-go.

The second location will give customers a place to meet and hang out. It is in the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, so serving alcohol is planned in the future.

Credit: Nick Graham

Nelson, 39, learned her cooking skills at an early age from her grandmother. She has worked in the food and beverage industry for years, including as a manager at and area casino. But she said a restaurant venture did not go well when she became overextended and nearly lost her house.

Credit: Nick Graham

“I was able to save it but needed to restart my life to provide for my family. I found this location (on Tytus) and I knew Middletown was where God wanted me to be,” said Nelson.

A third location is planned in a few months in Lebanon.

In addition to food options, Starvin Marvin’s also has a pay-it-forward system for people who have no money to pay.

“I have been hungry and didn’t have anyone to turn to,” she said.

Twenty meal tickets are placed on a board weekly for people who are hungry. A person in need of a meal can hand a ticket to the cook, and they will be served.

Credit: Nick Graham

“They don’t have to tell us a long story about why. If they are hungry, we are here,” Nelson said. Customers can also purchase a $5 meal to be included on the board to “pay it forward.”

OTHER NEW MIDDLETOWN RESTAURANTS

Two new restaurants also recently opened in Middletown’s East End.

At the end of December, LaRosa’s, which has been in the city for 20 years, relocated to 3451 S. Dixie Hwy. The new building features a drive-up window.

On Jan. 29, Jersey Mike’s Subs opened its first location in Middletown at 3451 S Dixie Hwy, which neighbors LaRosa’s.