Pop's Cafe opens in former Fuller's restaurant

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GENEVA – When Bobby Fuller opened Fuller’s Car Wash complex at 1122 E. State St., he added a gas station with a restaurant in 2003.

“We thought that was going to be the trend,” Fuller said of the restaurant. “We probably did not have the manpower to do it and then the road (Route 38) went under construction.”

The restaurant, at 1166 E. State St., closed about 18 months ago. The Fullers kept it as a self-serve grab-and-go, but all the equipment was there for somebody with know-how to make it happen.

Enter Terry Davis, 56, with 30 years of restaurant experience – just what the Fullers were looking for. Now re-dubbed Pop’s Cafe, Davis has been serving up breakfast and lunch for a month now, 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A grand-opening celebration is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with raffles and prizes. Face painting, balloons and a clown will entertain from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

With the economy struggling, opening a restaurant is a brave thing to do, Fuller said. Davis said he will not let the economy stop him.

“I’m not one who waits for the phone to ring,” Davis said. “I do what I have to to bring the people in. And I’ll continue to do that.”

Davis has experience at a variety of food venues, including Panera Bread and Jason’s Deli.

“I had experience owning my own deli in office buildings, but those were captive audiences,” Davis said. “If they left or moved out, I’d be sunk. I got out of that, but I missed the idea of having my own place.”

Davis saw a rental sign in front of the former Fuller’s restaurant and was intrigued. His biggest challenge is getting commuters to turn their heads as they make their way up Route 38.

Davis sells breakfast sandwiches made with fried eggs and thick-sliced sausage, ham or bacon on a croissant, as well as full sit-down breakfasts inside. Deli sandwiches are almost too big to bite.

“I pile the meat up high with more than a third of a pound,” Davis said. “I can roll out a meatball sandwich or a Reuben sandwich so big that it would make your eyes fall out.”

If you go

What: Pop's Cafe grand opening
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: 1166 E. State St., Geneva
More information: 630-845-0400

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