Our history circa 1911
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Originating as an ice cream and candy shop, The Alcove grew from a modest beginning as Candyland. In 1904, Mr. Fred Surlas immigrated to the United States from Greece, when he was 19 years old. His first job was in Pittsburgh where he worked as a pinboy in a bowling alley. He was soon convinced that there must be an easier way to make a living. He eventually moved to Youngstown, Ohio where he met Peter J. Francis, a candy and ice cream maker, who was to be his partner in establishing Candyland in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Candyland opened December 6, 1911, but disaster struck almost at once. A fire broke out on December 15, and the new store had extensive smoke and water damage. The partners were soon back on their feet, and the business prospered. In the early 1920’s, booths were added to replace the marble topped tables and old fashioned chairs. Sandwiches were added to the fountain menu.
By the late 1920’s, the demand for quality food outweighed the demand for candy and ice cream, and, the Alcove Room was added. The Alcove Room became so popular that expansion again took place in 1937, when the present building was constructed on the site of the original Candyland. Because of the growing fame of the Alcove Room, the newly planned restaurant adopted the name.
Over one hundred years after opening its doors, The Alcove Restaurant is still the place to come for quality food and service. The Alcove maintains the tradition of preparing dishes from scratch, and while our menu has changed many times over the years, our focus is the same as it was 100 years ago – customer satisfaction. We feel a tremendous responsibility to our long standing reputation and continually strive to exceed our customer's expectations.
Today, The Alcove still serves as a social center for downtown. Hosting business meetings, family celebrations, and Dinner Theaters throughout the year; The Alcove plays a vital role in maintaining a vibrant district. We thank all of our loyal customers that have enabled us to reach this historic anniversary and beyond as we celebrate a Century of Dining Excellence.
Originating as an ice cream and candy shop, The Alcove grew from a modest beginning as Candyland. In 1904, Mr. Fred Surlas immigrated to the United States from Greece, when he was 19 years old. His first job was in Pittsburgh where he worked as a pinboy in a bowling alley. He was soon convinced that there must be an easier way to make a living. He eventually moved to Youngstown, Ohio where he met Peter J. Francis, a candy and ice cream maker, who was to be his partner in establishing Candyland in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Candyland opened December 6, 1911, but disaster struck almost at once. A fire broke out on December 15, and the new store had extensive smoke and water damage. The partners were soon back on their feet, and the business prospered. In the early 1920’s, booths were added to replace the marble topped tables and old fashioned chairs. Sandwiches were added to the fountain menu.
By the late 1920’s, the demand for quality food outweighed the demand for candy and ice cream, and, the Alcove Room was added. The Alcove Room became so popular that expansion again took place in 1937, when the present building was constructed on the site of the original Candyland. Because of the growing fame of the Alcove Room, the newly planned restaurant adopted the name.
Over one hundred years after opening its doors, The Alcove Restaurant is still the place to come for quality food and service. The Alcove maintains the tradition of preparing dishes from scratch, and while our menu has changed many times over the years, our focus is the same as it was 100 years ago – customer satisfaction. We feel a tremendous responsibility to our long standing reputation and continually strive to exceed our customer's expectations.
Today, The Alcove still serves as a social center for downtown. Hosting business meetings, family celebrations, and Dinner Theaters throughout the year; The Alcove plays a vital role in maintaining a vibrant district. We thank all of our loyal customers that have enabled us to reach this historic anniversary and beyond as we celebrate a Century of Dining Excellence.
