Golden history key to Lamb's renovation
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The owners of the Golden Lamb are bringing Ohio's oldest inn and restaurant into the 21st century by taking a look back at the establishment's history.
"We're focusing on what's made the Golden Lamb great — its history, its food and its atmosphere," said Steven D. Mullinger, president of Golden Lamb and its parent company, Stevens Hospitality Inc. "To survive for 200 years, the Golden Lamb has been able to adapt and keep current, but still maintain a proud tradition."
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Appearing on billboards throughout Southwest Ohio, General Ulysses S. Grant is one of several historical patrons of the Golden Lamb promoting the restaurant and inn?s proud traditions and current renovations.
Get latest headlines via RSS feedsThe restaurant is in the midst of a $5.5 million renovation, mostly for structural improvements. As the renovation nears completion, the Golden Lamb has unveiled an advertising campaign. The focus is on historical figures who visited the dining spot since its 1803 founding, featuring drawings such as President Ulysses S. Grant posing with a butter knife.
"As the renovation is being finished, we're beginning to talk about what we're doing," Mullinger
said. "We want people to know we're still open even through the renovation, and just ask to please pardon our dust."
The new billboards are in use north of Lebanon in the Dayton/Springboro area. Mullinger said they will soon be visible in Cincinnati as well.
"They're already having an impact and have been very well received," Mullinger said.
Golden Lamb plans changes to menu
The majority of the $5.5 million renovation to the Golden Lamb on Broadway in Lebanon is for structural improvements, such as air conditioning and new wiring.
"It's stuff people wouldn't notice unless we didn't do it," said President Steve D. Mullinger.
However, one upgrade that will be noticed by patrons is a planned change to the Golden Lamb's menu.
New contemporary items are being added, including more fish, pasta and salads. Mullinger said they also are redesigning the Black Horse Tavern and will offer wraps, sandwiches and hamburgers along with live music.
"They are two very different types of restaurants in the same space," Mullinger said. "The dining room in the front is historical and more formal. The tavern is laid back."
Mullinger said he is looking into greater emphasis on the inn aspect of the facility.
"The Golden Lamb is more known as a special occasion restaurant. We want to make sure it's also known as Ohio's oldest hotel. It's a great place to stay," Mullinger said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.
