Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Haverstick.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My father Jay Haverstick opened Jay’s Seafood Restaurant in February 1976. We specialize in seafood. We are located in an old 1850 building that used to be a corn and grist mill. Our bar was built in 1882 for James Ritty who invented the cash register. It is 5400 pounds of Honduras wood with hand carvings and hand tooled leather.
We were the first business in the historical Oregon district with many to follow, and still standing strong today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The restaurant business can be a constant struggle. We are a finer dining restaurant so when the economy is low we tend to slow down. We are always struggling with parking because we are in an easement with other businesses. Overall I have a good staff but of course there is always someone’s else drama I have to deal with. Food prices have gone up substantially in the last 5 years so it can be a struggle to keep up. Along with equipment breakdowns, we just had our sprinkler system burst. And I could keep going lol
We’ve been impressed with Jay’s Seafood Restaurant , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the sole owner of Jay’s Seafood Restaurant, my parents passed in 09/11. I am an active owner who runs the floor or kitchen most nights. We are celebrating 50 years serving the Miami Valley this February. We specialize in Seafood and also have some great beef choices. We have a set menu, but do daily and weekly specials. Jay’s is known for its outstanding service, my bartender is 71 and been here 40 years and my Kitchen manager started as a busboy and has been with my family for 42 years. We have been voted best seafood in Dayton, Ohio every year.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t go to college, Learn to be a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician and a Havac expert.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.JAYS.COM
