{image1} Sometimes relationships in the workplace don't yield a high success rate. But that's not the case with Sarah and John Regner, a married couple that manages City Lunch, a cozy eating spot nestled comfortably on the second floor of the Timbers Building in the Tannery Urban Business and Living Center, 700 W. Virginia St.
The Regners knew if they could provide quality food and make-you-return friendliness that City Lunch would succeed. And they've done just that with their one-and-a-half-year-old lunch nook.
"We get around 150-200 people a day," Sarah says. That's not too shabby considering the little restaurant/deli is only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
"We try to keep it affordable and offer nothing too sloppy," John adds. Napkins are available, but not necessary.
The food is made fresh to order, and John shows up early every morning to slice up that freshness. The menu includes sandwiches, soups, salads and beverages/extras.
"We have food ready to eat in about two to three minutes," Sarah says.
Besides the Friday special of the lobster melt and lobster salad, hungry folks can indulge in seven soups during winter months and many salads in the summertime. City Lunch offers soup and sandwich combos as well as soup and salad combos.
"It's the base to a good meal," John says. "It's just what you need."
And as an added bonus, Sarah eases any back pain you get from crunching numbers at the office or meeting a deadline. She's a therapist too.
"I give free massages, no joke," she says.
John even finds time to volunteer for some of the agencies in the Tannery building. His brother Richard works at Soup Bros. across the way from City Lunch; food runs in the family.
Don't forget to take a glimpse at the coming attractions blackboard or the children's artwork adorning one of City Lunch's walls. Test your aim with their dartboard for a chance at a free lunch or cookie by hitting the bull's-eye.
It's seems City Lunch hits the bull's-eye everyday.
"We've built a lot of trust," John adds. The Regners couldn't be anymore correct, as they have every customer on a first name basis. It's not just business to them; it's a friendship with good eats available.
"Fresh quality food makes the difference," Sarah says.
