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The complex consists of three units beginning on
the south end with the new location of Mel-O-Cream donuts. In the
center is The Boardroom, a medium sized conference and event room
available for rent for small parties and gatherings. The north end
is the third business called Copper & Oak which is tagged as a
bourbon bar but also offers two dozen craft beers on tap and
assorted other drinks including non-alcoholic beverages.
The new construction building is located on the former site of the
city owned building that has been used for a variety of purposes by
the city, but in the last few years had become more of a burden than
an asset to the city. The Lincoln City Council voted to accept bids
on the property but the stipulation that the standing building which
was in very poor condition had to be demolished and something better
would be rebuilt.
Greg Patel and Joe Ryan went in together and placed a bid on the
property and the bid was accepted by the city.
It was later announced that the Mel-O-Cream on Keokuk Street which
belonged to Patel and Ryan would be moved to the new building the
partners were planning to build on the Kickapoo Street location. At
that time the intentions for the rest of the property was not
announced.
Speaking with Patel prior to the cut, he said that The Boardroom was
a good fit to put in between the bourbon bar and the donut store. He
said that it was smaller than the banquet center that he already
owns, but still large enough for a medium sized wedding reception,
board or committee meetings, birthday parties or catered meals.
He explained that the design of the building had been quite
intentional with the legal addresses being only 217, Suite A and 217
Suite B. The Boardroom has two barn doors one on the north side and
one on the south. The either side can be closed and locked depending
on what is taking place in the boardroom. Patel said it worked this
way so that anyone having an evening event could have access to the
bar without leaving the building. The locked door would then prevent
anyone in Mel-O-Cream from entering the area if desired. On the flip
side at a children’s party for example, the door to the bar could be
locked preventing minors from entering into an age restricted area.
The new Mel-O-Cream is much larger than the old location with
seating for those who want to come in for coffee and a donut before
heading off to work. The business is also extending its daily hours
to seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On Friday, the crowd gathered behind the ribbon included Greg and
Rita Patel, their daughter Isha and parents Manubhai and Kantaben,
Joe and Michelle Ryan their daughter Emily and granddaughter Althea,
Logan County Fair Queen Ellyn Martinex, Junior Miss Ellie Wrage and
Little Miss Kodi Eigenbrod, Lexi Grove of Logan County Tourism, Chad
and Chris Larson of Mel-O-Cream International, Lincoln Alderwomen
Robin McClallen and Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Mayor Tracy Welch, Karen
Castelein of Lincoln Daily News and members of the staff of the
three businesses.
Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs was called on first to
speak. She said that as a Ward 3 alderperson the downtown area was
part of her district. She said that she was excited for what was
developing in the downtown area that would draw more traffic to the
area. “What we are all looking for is opportunities for more people
to come to Lincoln,” she said. She thanked the trio for their
investment in the downtown area and wished them all the best.
Ward 1 Alderwoman Robin McClallen was assisting with
holding the ribbon for the cut. She said that she too was excited
for the new offering in the heart of the city. She said, “every time
(someone) invests in the city, it is like a new block in our
foundation of our city and if we all work together to put our blocks
in the city will prosper.”
Mayor Tracy Welch said that many new that the former
building was a pink monstrosity not very friendly. The council in
their wisdom saw an opportunity to make the road into the downtown
area better.” But he added that it was Patel and Ryan who had the
vision and had made the desire of the council come true.
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Chad Larson of Mel-O-Cream spoke, saying he was
thankful for the new ownership of the franchise, he liked the move
that had been made and that the new location was bigger and better.
It was mentioned that in Greg Patel there is a story
of the American dream realized. Coming to the United States in 1989
when his family moved to Michigan, in 1997 Greg moved to Lincoln
chasing the dream of becoming a business owner. He purchased with a
partner Quick Way Foods on Keokuk Street and thus began his career
as a successful businessman in Lincoln. When talking to Patel, he
said that people knew him for his successes but that he has also had
his fair share of falters.
He said that a good work ethic and learning from his mistakes and
successes had led him to be who he is today. He also said that he
had chosen Lincoln because he wanted a convenience store in a
college town, and he found that with Quick Way, which was located in
a town with not one but two colleges. That is why he chose Lincoln,
but he stays here because of the community and the people. He said
it is a good community filled with people who do good things and
he’s excited when he can be a part of it.
At the ribbon cutting, the next people to speak were Joe and
Michelle Ryan. The Ryans are lifelong members of the community. Joe
has been representing Country Financial in Lincoln for several
years. He is also a notable member of the WLCN radio sports talk
show the Cheap Seats. Michelle has been a teacher and is now a wine
distributor.
Joe and Greg purchased Mel-O-Cream together two years ago and have
since that time wanted to expand the business and make it more
customer friendly.
On Friday the next person to speak was Joe Ryan. He
said he wanted to express appreciation to his business partner and
the staff of the businesses. He said he was thankful for the
decisions made by the city, and he was thankful for the folks at
Mel-O-Cream International who had been very helpful along this
journey.
Michelle was asked to share about Copper and Oak. She said that it
was a Whiskey, bourbon and craft beer bar with a high-end
atmosphere. She said it was designed with a calm relaxing
atmosphere.
The last person to speak was Greg Patel. He began by
saying, “this wouldn’t be possible with out the city council, the
mayor and Keving Bateman. He said that they had been very helpful
and supportive.” He said he was thankful for all that had been
accomplished and was thankful for this business relationship with
the Ryans.
Ward 3 alderman Kevin Bateman was unable to attend but it was
mentioned that he had very much wanted to be a part of the event but
had other obligations and therefore was unable to attend.
With speeches completed the group posed of a pre-cut
photo then everyone participated in the standard countdown to the
snip. The ribbon was cut by Patel and Ryan and the Ryan’s
granddaughter Althea.
Mel-O-Cream is open seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with
a drive thru option for those in a rush.
Copper and Oak is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:30 p.m. to 10
p.m., Fridays 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays noon to 11 p.m. and
Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
[Nila Smith]
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