A new local restaurant held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday in Jefferson to celebrate the return of a community staple.

The Centennial has been open since July 5th after a group of women, Why Not Us, purchased the 100 East State Street building from the City of Jefferson because of the forced closure from a broken water pipe of an abandoned upper story apartment that flooded the first floor restaurant known as Angie’s Tea Garden. 

Why Not Us Board President Peg Raney talked about having a two-fold result for the restaurant on the corner of State Street and Wilson Avenue was bringing it back and having an impact on the community. She also described how the inviting atmosphere of The Centennial creates following the pandemic.

“If it did anything it taught us on how important relationships are and to be able to sit down at a meal with a friend, or family members, or to celebrate special occasions at The Centennial, we’re just so thrilled to offer that to the community, and to us as a group too, all the women involved with it. We’re just so pleased.”

As for the Restaurateur Sara Ostrander, she recalled what this journey has been for her.

“It just feels so special. I was looking back and it was a year ago that we announced that this was happening. That it was me coming in to do this project and it’s been an incredible year. It’s been a great four months that we’ve been open, and it’s just so exciting, and we’re just very grateful for the community, and the support, and everybody coming out today. It’s great!” 

Ostrander said they have a rotating menu that is changed every two weeks and they’ve added daily specials. Ostrander urges people to call to make reservations to eat at The Centennial at 515-386-3888.