1940s Themed Eatery Opens in Dennison Depot

A 1940s themed restaurant opened earlier this month in the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. Luicille’s draws upon the station’s World War II heritage when the Dennison Canteen served 1.3 million soldiers between 1942 and 1946.

The restaurant opened in connection with the museum’s 25th anniversary celebration. The museum is a former Pennsylvania Railroad facility situated on the Pittsburgh-St. Louis mainline of the former PRR. The tracks are now owned by the State of Ohio and operated under contract by an Ohio Central subsidiary, the Columbus & Ohio River Railroad. The OC is, in turn, owned by Genesee & Wyoming.

Lucille’s is open for lunch and between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Named for Lucille Nussdorfer, the concept behind Lucille’s was one of four that the depot museum trustees reviewed after the existing restaurant, Trax Diner, closed last spring.

“Our final decision was guided by two overriding goals: To provide the best possible seamless experience between museum and restaurant for the visitor; and to increase the number of people through the door,” said Board President Melissa Stocker. “For that reason, it was a unanimous decision by the board, after extensive consideration, that the best option to accomplish these goals was to make the museum the operator,” with an experienced manager.

Dennison resident Danielle Albaugh, the general manager of Lucille’s, has management training for Golden Corral and served as assistant manager of the North Canton location for four years.

Museum Director Wendy Zucal said the Depot’s business model envisions the restaurant drawing visitors to the museum.

“In order for the Depot to be successful and the restaurant to be successful, we know that we must be authentic,” Zucal said. “Our restaurant should be inspired by our history, our story, our location and our customers. All of these ingredients need to be integrated for that wonderful experience we hope to create.”

Tags: Columbus & Ohio River Railroad, Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Dennison World War II Canteen, Lucille Nussdorfer, Lucille's restaurant, Ohio Central