Changes in Downtown Clearfield
Among the changes to Downtown Clearfield is the newly completed storefront and sign at Spanky’s Courthouse Cafe on North Second Street. This busy business expanded into the neighboring building to increase their seating space last fall. Other changes include new ownership for Ethan’s Cafe and the Express Cafe moving into a new location on East Market Street next to Historica Plus. In the next few months, the new owners of Bob’s Army & Navy are expected to reopen that classic sporting goods store. (Photo by Julie Rae Rickard)
By Julie Rae Rickard
CLEARFIELD – Downtown Clearfield has seen a few changes recently, with more to come. Luckily, this time they are positive changes, especially if you are looking for somewhere to eat.
The popular Ethan’s Café whose original owners, Thad and Kim Durant, had limited their hours as they tried to sell the business, were happy to finally find someone to keep the café alive. It was sold to Joshua Diehl in May.
“Thad and Kim, thanks so much for your contributions to Clearfield Dining! You will be missed at Ethan’s, and I will do my best to honor your legacy,” said Diehl on the business’s Facebook page shortly after the sale.
The new Ethan’s Café also on Market Street, opens at 11:00 a.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m. They offer a full menu of coffees in their coffee shop, a variety of sandwiches and wraps, a nice selection of Tex Mex options, as well as salmon, filet tips and chicken dinners.
The Express Café/Cake & Catering by Cindy moved from its long time location at the corner of Third and Market Streets to a 232 E. Market Street next to Historica Plus (the old Leitzinger building) in early June.
The business has an incredibly tasty selection of baked goods but also offers a variety of meals including specials like chicken ‘n waffles, hot roast beef sandwiches, baked or battered fish, and a soup/salad bar. On weekends, they have a breakfast buffet which is all you can eat for only $11.99.
Check out their Facebook page for details on the specials and see what Cindy Short is baking.
Spanky’s Courthouse Café, 24 N. Third Street, celebrated their 25th anniversary and expansion into a nearby building in October, giving this busy business room to breathe.
Although they are known for their great breakfasts which are served all day, they also have a lunch menu and thanks to the success of their extended Friday hours serving fish during Lent, is now open Friday evenings for dinner.
Just recently the front of both their buildings was re-done with a new sign installed at this business which is owned by Rob and Heather Inguagiato.
With the nearby addition of the Dented Keg Brewing Company in the River’s Landing Building at 139 W. Market Street, and old standbys Scotto’s Pizza and Moena Restaurant both on East Market Street, Clearfield has plenty of options for dining.
Last summer, Downtown Clearfield was hit with a terrible blow when Bob’s Army & Navy store closed. But there is good news about this store as well.
The store which has been family owned and operated for 74 years store was a “community favorite and a destination for generations of sports and hunting enthusiasts,” according to a press release.
Bob Grimminger and his sister Patti Semelsberger made the difficult decision to close the store founded by their parents in March 2022.
“The decision to close the store was a difficult and painful one to make, but we felt it was time,” said Bob Grimminger, President of Bob’s Army & Navy Store.
Their attempts to sell the business were unsuccessful until July when it was announced that someone had not only purchased the building but was planning on re-opening the store under the same name as a sporting goods store.
The new owners are reportedly another family, Andrew and Cody Reed, with their mother Stephanie Doughty and stepfather Daniel Kline.
Plans are for the store to possibly re-open in the fall.
Another upcoming change for the downtown area involves the old Brody’s building on North Second Street which has been so neglected it needs to be torn down.
Lisa Kovalick, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority, who has taken ownership of the property, said it will be torn down in the next three months.
Because the building has connections to Jim’s Sports Center, next door, the demolition will be done carefully as to not damage that business.
The original idea for a pocket park at that location may be shelved because she has received inquiries from people interested in building on that site.
“It will be better to have a business there which will contribute to the tax base,” she commented.
Hopefully these investments in Downtown Clearfield will pay off for these businesses for years to come.