Restaurant to close as owners shift focus to catering
The owners of Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering have announced they are permanently closing their Riverside restaurant.
Christopher’s Restaurant, 4211 Linden Ave., will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Saturday this week, and for a final dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday.
It will close Saturday. “Erika and I have found ourselves at a crossroads in our lives where we must decide how we can best serve our community, have a positive impact on the lives of those we serve, continue to produce amazing food, and provide levels of service that exceed expectations at fair and reasonable costs,” said Dave Krites, who owns the restaurant with his wife.
“And while we have been blessed, yet again, as our current restaurant continues to grow more and more, we have decided that it is best for us to focus our time, treasures and talents on growing our catering business and further (developing) our facility rentals.”
Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering opened at 2318 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering. The restaurant operated there for 31 years before the owners decided to not renew their lease in June 2022.
“Initially, we ramped up our catering business as a matter of survival, and eventually, we began a limited hours/menu restaurant service.” Krites said.
“We have been so blessed to have so many folks show us love and support over the past few years as we have worked to create a new form of Christopher’s away from Dorothy Lane.”
Krites said catering makes the most sense for the business moving forward because “it allows us to manage rising and volatile costs better, not be so adversely affected by an inadequate workforce, and have the opportunity to impact thousands of more lives in our community.”
The Catering House by Christopher’s will be available for private party space, weekly or monthly meetings and corporate events. Krites said in most cases, the space is available for free. Those interested in acquiring the restaurant are encouraged to contact the owners immediately.
The owners have plans to host “community-building nights” featuring family dining, dessert/ice cream socials, wine tastings and specialty menus on Linden Avenue.
The Gem by Christopher’s, 3425 Valley St. in Dayton, will continue to operate. It’s available for weddings, receptions, birthday and anniversary parties, reunions, graduations, fundraisers, corporate events, sales events and more. The owners plan to ramp up the Friday-night buffets at The Gem.
“To each of you who have been part of the Christopher’s Restaurant journey, thank you for your love, continued support, beautiful smiles, and warm hugs,” Krites said.
“We are always honored when you visit, humbled by your kind words and excited to see you again. And as for us and our staff, we are eager to serve you once again in a fun, “non-restauranty” kind of way.”
For more information, visit www.christophers.biz or Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering’s Facebook page.