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Christopher’s downtown’s ‘hidden gem’
YOUNGSTOWN
Christopher’s Downtown restaurant is on the lower level of the City Centre One building downtown, almost hiding from the general public.
But the owners said that’s just part of the appeal.
“It’s definitely a hidden gem,” said Shawna Bonacci, who started the restaurant with her husband, Christopher.
The restaurant, previously occupied by a bar called End of the Tunnel, has been in business for a year since it opened Dec. 4, 2013. It’s also a place for downtown professionals looking for lunch or a drink after work, Shawna said.
“When we started, it was a little overwhelming,” Christopher said.
The owners said they’ve made some improvements in their first year.
“I think we’ve pinpointed with what our customers want,” Shawna said.
Some changes include adjustments to the menu, which features a mix of appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Shawna said they went through two different menus to include popular specials. They also have a seasonal menu for the spring and fall.
The restaurant also provides free delivery in the downtown area.
“I love doing that and want to keep doing that,” Christopher said. He said he wants to get more aggressive with the service by expanding it to other parts of the downtown area such as Youngstown State University.
On top of the daily specials, students and faculty from Youngstown State University receive a 25 percent discount for their orders on Thursdays, Shawna said. There’s also a jazz and open-mic night with live music Friday nights.
The restaurant also provides a catering service, which makes up 30 percent of its business, Christopher said.
Shawna said a menu can be constructed for any special occasion. In the past, customers have had parties at the restaurant, which can accommodate 60 people. Across from the restaurant is a meeting room that can be used to host the event. It holds up to 30 people. Shawna said off-site catering is another option, and they have served up to 500 people for special events such as weddings in the past year.
“Our goal is to please the customer,” she said.
The biggest change came when Christopher became executive chef at the Youngstown Country Club last year. He said he devotes more than 100 percent of his time to the job, so his wife manages the day-to-day operations.
“I have complete faith in my wife,” he said.
Christopher, however, left the foundation for how the food is made. Ryan Komara, who works as the chef, said the restaurant can make anything for customers even if it’s not on the menu, as long as it has the ingredients.
This year, the restaurant will start a karaoke night from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday nights, which will begin next week.
“Last year was great, but this year’s going to be better,” Shawna said.