November Business of the Month: Liberty Gathering Place

If​ you’re in West Liberty and craving a home-cooked meal in a place brimming with local charm, look no further than Liberty Gathering Place, located at 111 North Detroit Street. Established in 1995, this cozy restaurant has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly three decades—and it’s set in a location with even deeper roots. The building itself has been home to a restaurant since the 1940s, starting as The Betty Lane Restaurant and later becoming Dajolee's. The evolution of this beloved spot mirrors the community it serves, and in March 2023, it embarked on a new chapter under fresh ownership by Ashley Shaffer.

​Liberty Gathering Place traces its origins back to 1941, when The Betty Lane Restaurant first opened and was run by Cora Saltz. The restaurant was then sold to Rose Emma Smith and her son Dan, and was renamed to Dajolee’s. In the 1970’s, the Smith’s purchased the adjoining building and expanded to include the banquet room which eventually sold to Delbert and Kathy Fullencamp. ​

Over the decades, each new owner brought something unique to the table while preserving the restaurant’s welcoming, small-town spirit. Cindy Oelker, who purchased the business in 1995, became a beloved figure within the community, known especially for her pies. Since Ashley excitedly took over ownership, Cindy remains a friendly face in the restaurant - still working a few days each week and baking the restaurant’s famous pies.

​Famous for serving breakfast all day, Liberty Gathering Place is a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Breakfast lovers can drop by any time, and there’s even a breakfast buffet on the third weekend of each month—a community favorite. When talking to restaurant goers, the conversation always leads to the delicious pies. The peanut butter pies are particularly popular, and Ashley and her team welcome orders for pies for families to enjoy during their Thanksgiving festivities. Make sure to get your orders in by November 26!

Beyond breakfast, the restaurant offers lunch and dinner with a menu full of hearty, classic dishes. The staff takes pride in crafting each meal, and the community takes pride in supporting the restaurant. Liberty Gathering Place has been recognized as a Business of the Month by the West Liberty Business Association, a testament to the commitment the community has to the restaurant, and also the restaurant back to the community. Recently, Ashley donated a peanut butter pie to be auctioned off to benefit a local community member and impressively raised $16,200 in donations - another testament to its deep community ties.
​
As Liberty Gathering Place looks to 2025, they’re excited to introduce new items to the menu, expand into catering, and hit the road with their newly acquired food trailer. The trailer has already began to make a splash, where breakfast was a bit hit at the fair. Ashley and her team promises to bring a taste of Liberty Gathering Place to even more people around the region with their food truck. Stay tuned on their Facebook or website for food truck details, and more!

To those who are dreaming of starting their own business, the owner offers this advice: build strong community ties and don’t underestimate the importance of continuity and legacy in a small town. Staying engaged with your customers and respecting the history of your business can create a lasting bond that goes beyond good food.

As 2025 approaches, Liberty Gathering Place is hiring! They’re seeking cooks, prep staff, and servers to join the team, starting in January. It’s an exciting time to be part of a long-standing business with a fresh vision for growth.

Stop by Liberty Gathering Place for a taste of tradition and a glimpse of its bright future. The restaurant’s hours are Monday-Tuesday 6am-2pm, Wednesday-Saturday 6am-7pm and Sunday 8am-2pm. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a slice of Cindy’s famous pie, or a chance to be part of something special, Liberty Gathering Place has something for everyone in West Liberty.
​
Please join us in congratulating Liberty Gathering Place for being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce November 2024 Business of the Month.