Debra Carr and Kelly Early spoke to the Tipp City Rotary Club about the United Way and Circles of Hope at the October 7, 2009 meeting.  The Tipp City Area United Way (669-3863) works with 23 charity partners who are focusing on Education, Health, & Income.  Their 2009 goal is to raise $190,000.  Ms. Early talked about Circles of Hope goal of helping persons and families become permanently self-sufficient.  Shown in the photograph provided by the Tipp City Rotary Club are Kelly Early (left), Zach Jacobs Program Chairperson, and Debra Carr (right).

In what could be seen by some as the first major sign that the local economy is improving, a number of new businesses have or are in the process of opening in Troy.

Perhaps the most notable business to open in Troy in quite some time is Kent's Steakhouse, now occupying the former CJ's Highmarks location adjacent to I-75 on West Main. Described as a "Ruth's Chris" without the "stuffiness", Kent's fills the void for a moderately fine-dining establishment near the highway corridor. Additional to the cuisine, prepared by the former Inn of Versailles head chef, the building has received multiple upgrades both on the interior and exterior, complete with a redesigned casual bar area festooned with ornate brick work. The sign of economic recovery occurred on October 8, when the restaurant parking lot held its first full carload in years for opening night.

While wood fired steaks command attention near the highway, a little farther down West Main will serve up steak and more in a little more "southern" manner when Troy finally receives it's long-awaited Chipotle Southwest Grill at 1934 W Main (in the Panera Building). For nearly five years, Troy lore has speculated the arrival of the wildly popular and successful quick serve gourmet Mexican eatery, without anything to show for it. Until early 2009, the closest Chipotle was Miller Lane, to which many from Miami County still frequent. With the addition of the newest member of the Chipotle family right here in Miami County, expect lots of publicity and longer lines the first few weeks after opening. Oh, and did we mention that Chipotle is notorious for giving away free food at their grand openings? Yeah...FREE food. Without seeing it, it would still be a part of that Troy lore for the past half-decade, but as the picture can attest, it is coming...SOON.

Yet, for as popular and long-awaited Chipotle may be, it may have competition before it even opens its doors. Recent rumblings around the local business scene has speculated that as early as the end of 2009, Miami Valley-based Hot Head Burritos may open a Troy location on Route 55 in the newly constructed Boston Stoker/Subway building. A reletivly new chain, Hot Head boasts lower food prices, as well as the added feature that even Chipotle doesn't have: Delivery. MCP will work on tracking down further details on Hot Head, and will break any news as it is obtained.

Finally, the food/restaurant industry continues to boom in Troy, now with the near completion of the city's second Little Caesars location in under twenty years. Many Trojans still remember the original corner location down from the old Ames, then Pharm and now the former Sav A Lot on Main Street, and one particular journalist remembers distinctly playing the old "Memory" game while waiting for his family's "PIZZA PIZZA" and Crazy Bread. Well, thanks to Michigan-native entrepreneur Jim Basakis, an entirely new generation of Trojans can make their own memories, but without the wait, with Little Caesars $5 Hot-N-Ready pizza. The new location, the former Younce Photography and Check$mart across from the new Taco Bell on Main Street will feature Little Caesars signature offerings such as Crazy Bread, $5 Large Pizzas available anytime without the need to call ahead, as well as recent innovations such as buffalo wings, garlic bread and specialty pizzas for just a few more dollars (including deep dish!). Basakis has already completed his open interviews, and after an overwhelming turnout, and sign installation (pictured), the location is ready for an October 20th grand opening.