Roanoke’s Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building has welcomed back customers to the grill with Star City Cafe now serving breakfast and lunch on weekdays. The cafe, owned by the city government and managed by the Berglund Center, took over the vacant basement restaurant space that had been empty for nearly a year.
As general manager of the Berglund Center, Robyn Schon Smith oversees operations at the cafe. Patrons can enjoy a variety of “hot lunch baskets” that include fries, a salad or soup, and a choice of a burger, chicken bacon Swiss sandwich, “ultimate” cheesesteak or chicken tenderloins priced at $7.50. These are the most expensive items on the menu according to an online menu. The restaurant can accommodate up to 40 people for dine-in service.
Before opening, an inspection by Virginia Department of Health (VDH) found that Star City Cafe was out of compliance regarding staffing requirements related to food safety. Restaurants in Virginia are required to have a certified food protection manager on staff. Although Berglund Center has a food and beverage manager with necessary credentials, they are currently on long-term leave. VDH spokeswoman Christie Wills recommended that another individual be appointed to fulfill this role before reopening for business.