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End of the Dawn?
By Sarah Lehr
YOUNGSTOWN
Will the sun set on the Golden Dawn?
The future of the iconic North Side restaurant remains unclear.
The last day for the eatery, which is co-owned by brothers Johnny and Phil Naples, may have been Saturday.
Atty. John A. McNally III, father of Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally IV, called a press conference this week to discuss the restaurant’s future. McNally described himself as an attorney representing the restaurant and multiple members of the family, including Johnny Naples.
McNally told reporters the restaurant would close after Saturday — either permanently or temporarily. McNally cited several factors, including a need for “restructuring” and renovations to the property’s interior. He said the motivation for a possible closure was not financial.
Phil Naples, who was tending bar at the restaurant Saturday, seemed to dispute McNally’s version of the situation. He declined to go into specifics, however, adding that he was not interested in talking to the press.
Italian-Americans Mary and Andy Naples first opened the Golden Dawn when the Great Depression was ravaging the city. The restaurant moved to its current location, a wedge-shaped white stucco building at 1245 Logan Ave., during the 1940s.
Brothers Carmen and Ralph Naples inherited the restaurant from their parents and presided over the establishment for decades. Carmen died in August 2015 at age 95. Six months later, Ralph died at age 96.
The current owners, Johnny and Phil, are two of Ralph’s nine children.
After over eight decades in business, not much has changed at the Golden Dawn. Because Ralph and Carmen did not like computers, the restaurant takes only cash or personal checks — never credit cards.
The brothers believed in keeping the place family-friendly and would kick out anyone who swore.
The bartenders, who all wear crisp white shirts with black ties, are on a first-name basis with many of the diners.
Tom Schell, 74, grew up on Saranac Avenue within walking distance of the Golden Dawn. His family would venture to the restaurant for a treat.
“With nine kids and my old man working on the railroad, we couldn’t go very often,” Schell said. “But about once a year, we would have a nice family dinner.”
Schell, who now lives in Venice, Fla., says he’s seen his childhood neighborhood change since the steel mills closed. Many former homes are now vacant lots. Still, Schell makes a point to return to his old stomping grounds, especially for steak and a schooner of beer at the Golden Dawn.
“The fact that it’s in such a bombed-out area and still gets business, that really tells you something about the loyalty of the customers,” Schell said. “They’re doing something right. I can’t say enough about the credibility of that family. Even being located where they are, when everyone knows that most people pay cash, I don’t think they were robbed once. I don’t think anyone would dare, knowing how many people in the city care about that place.”
Schell recalled visiting the Golden Dawn in 2011 after his 50th class reunion at Ursuline High School. He marvelled at how Ralph Naples, then in his early 90s, nimbly descended a trap door behind the bar and returned up the stairs while carrying a full case of beer.
“Those are memories of people who have worked hard all their lives,” Schell said. “You just enjoyed being around ’em.”