Scarlotta’s Car Hop, a classic, reopens
By Erik Pekar
The reopening of Scarlotta’s Car Hop, much anticipated by many in the Granville area, occurred this week. The business is new and at the same time, its opening marks the return of something classic to Granville.
Scarlotta’s is now owned by the Barlow family – Wes and Laura, and their children Payton and Matthew. With the new ownership, Scarlotta’s is “back in the family” as Laura is directly related to the Scarlottas. The car hop will be run by Laura and Payton, and several relatives and friends will also be involved. “It’s a huge family affair for sure,” said Payton Barlow.
All involved are just as enthusiastic about the reopening of Scarlotta’s as the people of Granville. “I’m very excited,” said Barlow, “and [my mother’s] excited to get back into it.”
A couple of years prior to the purchase, Laura talked with Andy McEachron, asking him to call her if he ever wanted to sell the car hop. The call she had been hoping for happened last October. This set the ball rolling and led to the return of Scarlotta’s. The building has been renovated. The kitchen has been completely overhauled, expanded, and fitted with new equipment. “We got a lot of work done in a little time,” said Payton Barlow. “A big thank you to our family for putting in all the time and effort to get stuff done.”
The Scarlotta’s building has been repainted in an attractive, light color of beige. A new stylish sign has been placed in the double-sided backlit sign assembly facing traffic on Quaker Street. The indoor dining area has been redone, and the new wall shared with the kitchen has been painted a light blue. The old Scarlotta’s sign inside should be a familiar sight to some. “[It] used to be by the road,” said Barlow.
Those who want to go to Scarlotta’s have several options on where to order or eat their food. Car hop service is available, of course, but there are also the deck area and the inside eating area. One can also put an order in by calling in, or by ordering inside or at the window. Delivery, while not available at opening, will be offered later.
The menu has been overhauled. “It’s a big menu,” said Barlow, “[it] was based on a 2008 Scarlotta’s menu.” There is a large selection of main items and sides. Value meals will also be offered. Attention is being made to quality. “All our burgers are fresh cut beef,” said Barlow, “and we’re only offering fresh cut fries.” There will also be healthy options, such as a veggie burger and fresh salads.
Several specialty burgers will be offered. One is the Scarlotta burger, which Barlow emphasized will be “made by a Scarlotta, the secret ingredient.” Another is the Wes burger, named for her father. “This place wouldn’t be possible without him,” said Barlow.
Some familiar favorites will be returning to the menu. “We’re bringing back all the good stuff that people like,” said Barlow. Beer-battered onion rings and mushrooms are also making their comeback. The famed “Grandma Betty’s meat sauce” will also return. Another special return will be buffalo chips from the former AJ’s, made using the same recipe from before.
The much-talked-about quality soft-serve ice cream will return. Vanilla, chocolate, twist, and more than 24 other flavors will be available for regular soft serve, all the time. The ice cream is animal-friendly, and those bringing their dogs will be able to get a small, free doggie dish of vanilla ice cream. Dole Whip, which is gluten-free and dairy-free, will also be available, and its flavor selections will change from time to time. There is also a large selection of sundaes, milkshakes and floats.
Being a new business opening, there will be the natural possibility of imperfections and kinks in the operation as they get the hang of things. “We want people to know we’re working through things,” said Barlow. Hopefully, people will be considerate of this.
Scarlotta’s Car Hop is located at 45 Quaker Street in the village of Granville and is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Congratulations to the Barlows, and to all involved with Scarlotta’s. Welcome back to Granville.
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Spring is in the air. Green grass is starting to appear, the shoots of flowers are beginning to grow, and buds are appearing on bushes and trees. There was some worry early in the previous week, and with good reason. The temperatures had been getting lower and lower, until the morning of April 19, when a storm brought a snow and sleet mix. The roads that morning were coated with a slippery layer of sleet. Some grass also managed to get covered, but it did not last long. By noon, temperatures were already warming up, and the sleet melted away. By last Friday, the daily highs were in the 60s instead of in the 30s. Warmer weather has finally arrived.
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A popular annual Granville event is coming up. The Granville Town Wide Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, May 14. The event, sponsored by the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce, has been held for more than 30 years, excepting 2020, and has always drawn people to the Granville area. There will likely also be vendors at Veterans Memorial Park and in front of the high school, as in prior years. The event is for the entire Town of Granville and is not exclusive to the village. This is the time to put out items that may be of interest to those who frequent yard sale events. Many sellers and buyers are looking forward to this event, and it is sure to be a popular draw this year.
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