Popular Restaurant closes – And here’s what’s going to replace it
After ten successful years, the doors of Strongwater Food & Spirits, a cornerstone establishment in the revitalization of Franklinton, have officially closed. The restaurant’s final service took place on December 31, 2023, at its 401 W. Town St. location.
While the restaurant chapter at Strongwater has concluded, the location’s legacy as a vibrant event space will continue. Effective January 1, 2024, Franklinton-based catering company, Milo’s Catering, has assumed management of the venue. This transition aligns with Milo’s strategic focus on expanding its portfolio of event spaces, leveraging their extensive experience and reputation for excellent service.
Louie Pappas, owner of Milo’s Catering, emphasized their commitment to preserving the spirit of Strongwater’s event space: “We are honored to carry the torch of this established venue. Our top priority is to provide the same level of exceptional service and quality that our clients have come to expect from both Milo’s and Strongwater.”
Looking ahead, exciting developments are planned for the building. Construction is underway on a second event space, mirroring the existing space’s 6,000 square feet but offering a more elongated layout. Completion is anticipated within the first quarter of 2024, with bookings commencing in late spring or early summer.
The future of the former restaurant space remains open, with potential exploration as an additional event area, Franklinton Fridays host, or pop-up venue once operations are fully established. For Pappas, Milo’s expansion within Franklinton is a personally significant milestone, solidifying the company’s dedication to the neighborhood’s continued growth.
Beyond this new venture, Milo’s Catering remains focused on exceeding expectations across their diverse portfolio. With their established expertise in corporate catering, Pappas envisions a promising future for weekday events at Strongwater, complementing their popular wedding bookings. The company recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in November 2023 and continues to push boundaries with innovative venues like the North 4th Corridor within the Smith Bros. Hardware building, showcasing their commitment to vibrant and memorable event experiences.
