Champions to offer unique desserts and opportunities for disabled
COSHOCTON – The former Local Bounty building is getting a face-lift and a new purpose thanks to two young entrepreneurs.
Austin Sampsel and Devin Rivera are planning to have Champions open by mid-May. The new restaurant at 22951 State Route 83 will offer unique desserts to the public and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
“We will have ice cream, Italian Ice and edible cookie dough,” Rivera said. “We want to keep it simple to allow the individuals to learn.”
He and Sampsel met through coaching the Hopewell Indians Special Olympics basketball teams.
“I always wanted to own my own business and knew Austin had the knowledge of running a business so I asked him to join me,” Rivera said.
The building their business is located in is owned by Lake Park.
“Once our business proposal got approved by them we got to work,” Rivera said. “We finished painting the inside and are working on the outside.”
The theme for the restaurant will be “Where Everyone’s A Star” and will feature pictures of Hopewell’s basketball teams.
Rivera and Sampsel said they are planning on hiring 15-20 people and are excited to employ some of their athletes.
“This will give the individuals an opportunity to socialize with the community, interact with the public and teach them responsibility,” Rivera said.
Sampsel added that it will also provide lessons in money management.
“This is going to be something special for the community,” he said. “We are starting small with the ice cream, but hoping we can eventually turn it into even more of a restaurant.”
Rivera said in the winter they may serve soup and other food items.
Champions will seat 23 people inside and also have some outside seating.
“We really want it to be family oriented so we are planning on having cornhole and other fun games for people to play,” Rivera said.
Hours of operation are not set yet, but they are looking at opening around 11 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.
Category: Business
