If you haven’t been visiting the Transit Café in downtown Ironton, now would be a good time to start.

The Transit Café opened last April and will be going into its second year of business this month. To celebrate, the café will offer half priced sandwiches and introduce new menu items to thank the community that has supported the business.

The business is operated by Tri-State Industries, Lawrence County’s adult services program that provides services and jobs to individuals with developmental disabilities in the county.

Currently, three individuals with DD work at the restaurant. The facility is owned by Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization that was searching for a company to operate a business in the empty space and partnered with Tri-State Industries.

The Transit Café opened in April 2012. Throughout the year, the café tried several different approaches to adapt its menu and business to be more customer-friendly. The café introduced breakfast items, including bagels, biscuits, and muffins, as well as eliminated several items that weren’t big hits with their customers. The café also began a delivery service in the downtown area at no additional charge during lunch hours.

Jason Kinder, community employment Specialist with TSI, said that the café has come a long way to please the community of downtown Ironton.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better facility,” said Kinder. “We want to continue to progress our menu and product to be a great business here in downtown.”

The café plans to celebrate its one year anniversary at the restaurant on April 19 by discounting sandwiches to half price for the day and introducing new menu items including cheeseburgers, chicken salad and macaroni salad as a new side item.

“We’ve had taste tests, and everyone is happy with what we have developed for our menu,” says Kinder. “We want to give everyone new options that will help enhance their dining experience.”

The Transit Café is located at 225 S. Second St. in Ironton. Orders can be placed by phone from 8-3 Monday to Friday and 9-1 on Saturdays once the Farmers Market opens across the street.

The eatery also offers delivery service in the downtown area from 11-1 and dining service throughout normal hours. The cafe can be reached at (740) 532-0448.