Barberton fixture listed for auction

BGNN staff report
BARBERTON  A century-old institution has been listed for auction Jan. 8.

The Coffee Pot, a beloved breakfast spot at 205 Second St. NW, which was recognized in 2023 by Barberton Mayor William Judge for celebrating 100 years in the city, has been listed for sale for more than a year and some prospective buyers have shown intense interest.

Menda and Ken Ramsey have owned the diner for about a quarter of a century.

In a May 2024 story in The Barberton Gazette written by Bob Morehead, the Ramseys said they were eying retirement and would like to help the next owners carry on the longstanding tradition. Many regulars have come through the doors over the years. Menda had been on staff for 16 years before owning the restaurant.

Harry and Icea Boylen took over the restaurant in 1946, according to the 2024 BGNN story. They sold it to Norm and Sally Younes in 1977; Norm in his tall, white chef’s hat at the flat-top became as iconic as the diner itself. The Youneses built an addition in 1985, doubling the diner’s dimensions. They sold to the Ramseys in 2001.

The listing by KIKO Auctioneers calls The Coffee Pot Summit County’s oldest operating diner and “a true local landmark serving the community for over 100 years with only three owners.” The restaurant real estate and turnkey business live auction with online bidding available begins with preview starting at 3 p.m. Jan. 8 and auction 4:30 p.m. The real estate and equipment includes 1,952 square feet of restaurant space built in 1923 with dining room addition in 1985 and open diner-style kitchen plus a full secondary kitchen, ample storage, updated Carrier HVAC, fire suppression system, seating for about 80 guests and the full line of equipment.

Auctioneer/Realtors are Bob Young ([email protected]) and Gabe Cozy ([email protected])