Workman treated to 95th birthday surprise
Party: Fred Workman, whose family restaurant was on Main Street for more than 60 years, was surprised with a 95th birthday party May 28 at The RiverFront Lounge. Beacon photo by Josie Sellers
COSHOCTON – A Main Street icon was celebrated May 28.
Friends and family gathered together and surprised Fred Workman with a 95th birthday bash at The RiverFront Lounge.
“I thought this shouldn’t just pass by,” said Joe Kreitzer.
He got together with Dayle Ross, owner of The RiverFront Lounge, and set up a time for people to stop by and enjoy some cake, coffee and reminiscing with Workman who ran Workman’s Restaurant with family.
“This is pretty cool,” said Bob Workman, Fred’s son. “A lot of these people here used to come into the restaurant.”
Workman’s was open for more than 60 years and Fred was 86 when he retired. He ran the restaurant with his brother, Charlie and lots of family worked their over the years including his wife, Catherine; daughters, Joanne Workman and Ella Mallory; son, Bob; and grandsons, Jason Workman and Tom Millin.
“A lot of people came in and out and you got to know them,” Fred said.
Bob’s wife, Theresa, was happy to see all the people who turned out to wish Fred happy birthday and remember times at the restaurant with him.
“As soon as some people came in they knew their orders,” she said. “A lot of them got basically the same thing every time.”
One popular menu item was the Swiss Steak.
“If you didn’t get there by a certain time you weren’t going to get it,” Mallory said.
The desserts there also were good.
“People raved about the pies,” Theresa said.
Fred, however, wasn’t just known for his restaurant. He also was quite the dancer.
“Him and I never missed a dance at Lake Park,” said Eva June Kiser.
She and Fred have been friends a long time and he was very happy to have people like her spend his special day with him.
“Everybody’s been so nice,” Fred said.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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