By Megan Alley
Sun staff
Laszlo’s Iron Skillet celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 29.
The family-owned restaurant reopened in Union Township after a fire destroyed its former site at 6900 Valley Ave. in Newtown more than two years ago.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was coordinated by the Clermont Chamber of Commerce.
“This is a really great day,” said Matt Van Sant, chamber president. “Our job is to get up each day and work with the assets we have here in Clermont County – our people, our schools and our residents – and work with them to make this the first place for a company to locate.”
He added, “On a personal note, I’ve been a Laszlo’s customer for 20 years now. I think I’ve tried many items on the menu. It’s a great experience, and we’re really happy to have you here.”
Laszlo’s Iron Skillet, which specializes in Hungarian cuisine, was operating in temporary quarters at 7397 Main St. in Newtown.
Co-owner Monica Lippmeier, whose father Laszlo Molnar started the business 42 years ago, said they started looking for a permanent location in October 2014.
“We’ve all been living up here since the 1970s,” Lippmeier said in an interview. “We knew the building was empty, and a customer encouraged us to look at the vacant spot.”
Lippmeier signed a five-year lease to operate the restaurant at the new location.
She said the new building is comparable to the original Newtown building, with a few additional parking spaces.
Lippmeier has hired 15 new employees since the move.
“I’m just so thankful you guys are here,” said John McGraw, chairman of Union Township’s Board of Trustees. “We have great residents, and I know one thing they’ve been saying is they like the Outbacks and the chain restaurants, but they’re really looking for something that’s unique and individual. They really want a restaurant that’s like this.”
He added, “We’re so glad that you’ve elected to come to Union Township. I don’t have to drive to Newtown anymore. We’ll help you every step of the way, and we’re just really glad to be part of this. We welcome you to Union Township and we know you’ll have great success.”
The restaurant had a soft opening that started Labor Day weekend.
“Things are coming along pretty well,” Lippmeier said. “A lot of our clientele was already up here, and people are able to find us because we’re right off the main road.”
Lippmeier said the chamber has been very welcoming.
“Clermont County is up and coming right now,” she said. “There is a lot going on here.”
Laszlo’s Iron Skillet is now open at 1020 Ohio Pike. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 3-10 p.m. and Sunday 3-9 p.m. The bar is open for extended hours. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
For more information, visit www.laszlosironskillet.com.