The end of an era. Bob Byers posted this on his facebook page:
“October 22 will be the last day of operation for Carmels. I will let the new owners make their own announcement of the great hospitality to come. This family partnership began discussions with me months ago. I was not yet eager to sell, but as we talked, I realized this group will continue the great tradition of everyday value and hospitality that began at this location in 1955. The building and I were born the same year, and both are a bit weathered and worn.
The new owners are going to bring about a complete rehabilitation, and from what I have seen of the drawings, it’s going to be right in step: A culmination of the past 68 years of hospitality into a new vibrant modern facility that all neighbors can visit often for everyday value.”Byers began working in Dayton in 1984 in the product development division of the former Ponderosa Steakhouse chain. He then bought the Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers downtown on Jefferson Street and added several more locations. He sold off the last Cold Beer and Cheesburgers location in 2019. In an interview with Mark Fisher in 2020 he said, “When not working or nursing my tomato plants, I can be found in my reading chair with a glass of port and a historical novel.” Seems like he’ll have plenty of time for this now.
