She hopes the restaurant, bar and party facility will fill what she called a void of locally-owned dining in Liberty Twp.
Liberty Twp. officials, too, said they hope the restaurant will help draw people into an area they are calling Downtown Bethany, which leaders want to develop into a downtown that will draw local entrepreneurs to launch businesses unique to the area.
Cozy’s Cottage, where Collins will host private parties, showers and wine or cigar tastings, is slated to open around October, she said. The restaurant, Cozy’s Cafe, where meals and drinks will be served to diners, could open early next year, Collins said.
After spending time on the patio of a London restaurant three years ago during a trip with girlfriends, Collins said she was inspired to bring a charming restaurant with a big patio to Liberty Twp.
Collins’ restaurant will fit Liberty Twp. leaders’ vision to create a pedestrian-friendly downtown near Bethany Road, Caroline McKinney, the township’s economic development director said. The township is working on a plan to add sidewalks, street lamps and lure local business owners to launch boutique-style shops on a strip of Cincinnati-Dayton Road.
“Liberty lacks a gathering area,” Caroline McKinney, the township’s economic development director said. “We see…Downtown Bethany as a local downtown with local flavor.”
Collins, a 14-year veteran of the restaurant industry, saw a house up for sale at 6440 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, just a few properties down from Putter’s Grill. When she toured the building, she was surprised to find the property featured a four-acre backyard with mature trees and an 1820s home complete with fireplaces and wooden floors.
“I got goosebumps,” Collins said.
The restaurant owner, however, still has work to do on the property. She’s lifted old wall paper to find exposed-brick walls, and she wants to add an addition on to the main house that will act as the restaurant’s patio, bar and kitchen. A parking lot will also be added to the property.
Once opened, Collins said she wants to serve up moderately-priced dinners and feature seven different appetizers, salads and dinner courses nightly. She’s currently in the process of interviewing chefs for the restaurant and said she plans to update the menu frequently.
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