Mike Hemmert

Sat., Jan. 27 marks the last Dinner Service for Chef Maria Walusis and her husband Eric at Watermark Restaurant/ Miamisburg. It will be a special evening for a sold out~ 112 patron. Soo many of us have enjoyed the Watermark for the past 9 years.

After Dinner Service, Eric and Maria will be holding a special farewell party to all of their staffs from both Watermark and their sister restaurant~ Backwater Voodoo. We had dinner with our friends on Thursday at Watermark and it was also a packed house. Chef had time (like she always does) to come to our table and visit. You see, we have known Chef since she started making scratch cakes every weekend for Bella Vino’s Wine Bar/ Springboro. Being in the food business myself for soo many years, I knew from the beginning Chef was talented and passionate about one day owning her own Restaurant. More about her background later in the Article.

left to right~Gene, Terry Chef Maria, Mike & Barb

Our visit on Thur. started at the bar where on every Thur. they offer $10. off bottles of wine. We enjoyed that with our friends! Chef was able to share with us that they had made their decision in Dec. to not renew their Lease that is expiring. She has been actively looking for another new owner and shared that she is talking to some folks. It has been a rollercoaster Jan. for Chef and her family.

Hannah, Michael & Denise

Their daughter Hannah has been working at the restaurant for 5 years. Bartender Denise has been with Maria and Eric on and off since their Soft Opening 9 years ago. Denise is excellent at her craft and personable. We will miss her and Hannah. Michael, one of the Servers has had our table the last 3 times we have been in and we will miss his humor and efficiency.

We look forward to hearing where their path will take them. After handling cakes for Bella Vino’s, Maria met Chef Anne Kearney, owner of Rue Dumaine in Centerville. Maria did a lot of offsite catering with Chef Anne and Chef was mentoring Maria as well. Chef Anne was also a James Beard Award Winner. It does not get any better than that for a mentor! Just like many of us in the food business we are longing to be an Entrepreneur, as we know and experience long hours it is ours…Watermark was born!

According to Chef Maria, the Fine Dining Scene in the Dayton Region has been in somewhat of a downward trend in Sales. Lots of competition and many folks do not have the extra funds to frequent as much as they once did with the economy, inflation and outlook we have all had to deal with. Eric has already started a full time job that he enjoys and the road is wide open for Chef Maria. I bet she is looking forward to some time off with her family!!

Eric and Maria, you will be MISSED and Barb and I look forward to seeing you at the Bella Vino Reunion in March at the Meridian. Cheers to you!

This Guy’s Coffee actually started as SAXBY’S COFFEE in 2006 as a franchise which was owned by Kurt & Kerri Ritter. The parent company elected to rebrand their five stores in outlying markets and concentrate on college locations. They allowed their franchisees to change their business name, purchase rights, etc.

Hence, This Guy’s Coffee was born. In 2006, they were ahead of the curve already by OPENING with a Drive-Thru (D/T)

Owners Hannah & Lauren report that their D/T Sales are 75% of their total Sales~ MAJOR WOOW factor!

It continues to resonate in the business community what D/T’s do for their customers and D/T’s have gained momentum since COVID.

Lauren & Hannah both started at entry level positions as Barista’s. Lauren purchased a percentage of the Business from the Ritters when they opened This Guy’s. Hannah started in 2019 as a senior in HS. She continued working for This Guy’s as she earned her Undergraduate degree from UC in Interdisciplinary Studies.

She was longing to be an Entrepreneur and approached Lauren about buying into the Business and Lauren said “let’s do it.” That happened in 2022. Lauren remarked “now we can keep Hannah here forever.” These two ladies also have some great things happening in their personal lives. Lauren and her husband are expecting their first child and Hannah was recently engaged!!

There is a culture in this Business and it has been like that since the beginning when the Ritter’s owned it according to Lauren. Staff is trained to take outstanding care of customers, lots of smiles, efficiency and working together as a Team AND having FUN!

It was VERY clear to me in 3 visits and after 53 years in the Food Business that they in fact were -delivering the difference-

Some of the things they do to differentiate themselves from their competition:

All pastries are baked from SCRATCH. Yes, no frozen and thaw items here. In fact, Lauren’s Mom (Carole) is one of the 2 Bakers. Sasha, Lauren’s sister in law is the second Baker.

Lauren, Carole (Lauren’s Mom) and Baker along with Hannah

On one of my visits, I saw a tray of cherry/ chocolate Scones sitting close to the coffee brewer and they were not in the case yet. Yep, I asked and they were warm. I had to buy one. Major Yumminess!!

So, I do not know of anyone in the coffee/ quick service market that scratch bakes until I met these 2 ladies.

They occupy 1,300 square feet with 22 seats and their landlord-Cindy Pacetti who owns Springboro Pharmacy at the other end of the Center recently added a 20 seat outdoor patio in 2021 that benefits both This Guy’s and Roma’s Pizza next door.

Both ladies are appreciative of Cindy and her efforts to maintain the property and help them grow their Business!! Hearing of this Lessee/ Lesser relationship resonated so positively that I walked down to meet Cindy and tell her what the ladies had expressed. Cindy has operated her Pharmacy for 24 years.

In conclusion, I was very impressed with this long standing Springboro Business and wish them continued Success! Lauren & Hannah, I will be back soon for a warm scone and your dark roast coffee!

Watermark Served Their Last Meal Tonight

Small Business Spotlight: This Guy’s Coffee