The Beginning

Our story begins in 1922.  It was that year when George Athan, an ambitious man from Carinth, Greece, opened a small fine dining restaurant in Downtown Newark, Ohio.  He named it Natoma Restaurant after a fictitious Indian Princess in Victor Herbert’s 1911 Opera, Natoma.  With his opening moto “Your Satisfaction Our Success,” he grew more and more popular and began to outgrow the small space.  Hoping for continued success, George moved Natoma Restaurant to 10 North Park Place in 1934. He built something he was proud of and ran it until his passing in 1951. Little did George know that this would be home to The Natoma Café for the next 75 years.

A New Generation

After George’s passing, his son Angie took over and ran, what was now called The Natoma Café, for 50 years. He was the man who always greeted everyone with a smile and never forgot a name. He turned The Natoma Café into a community landmark, a town staple. It was during this time that The Natoma Café became famous for its’ Baby Beef tenderloin steak. 

It was a place where families celebrated birthdays and regulars could gather for happy hour. Everyone loved The Natoma Café for the delicious food and camaraderie it created. 

The End That Wasn’t

In 1999, Angie’s three children, Dean, Georgeann, and Alexis, took over The Natoma Café and continued to build on its success. They continued traditions of the past and created their own along the way. The Baby Beef became more iconic than ever and the parmesan garlic bread was a close second. Baby Talk gained popularity and became famous as the newspaper column that announced celebrations and monumental occasions. The Natoma Café was truly the place to be.

After 11 years, The Natoma Café closed in 2010.  Through three generations and for 88 years, The Natoma Café was a place where kids grew up, parents celebrated, and grandparents felt at home.  All told, The Natoma Café was a social oasis that served incredible food for all ages.

A New Beginning

In 2019, 10 North Park Place – the spot where George Athan moved Natoma Restaurant all those years ago – became available.  George’s great grandson, Alex Athan, knew he wanted to continue his family’s legacy. With that hope in mind, he and his wife, Stephanie, decided to open 1922 On The Square as a nod to the birth year of the Natoma Restaurant. 

Alex and Stephanie hope that 1922 On The Square will be a place that brings back memories and creates new ones for your family. Everything about the restaurant – from the aesthetics to the menu – speaks to that vision. The restaurant showcases the original marble floor, an added modern spin to Art Deco décor, and a bar filled with family photographs to take you through the years. Our Executive Chef brings back to life some of the The Natoma Café’s favorites like the iconic Baby Beef, the parmesan garlic bread, and the homemade blue-cheese dressing, while featuring some amazing new seafood, pasta and vegetarian dishes for all to enjoy. Our extensive wine list and handmade signature cocktails, both classic and modern, complement our unique menu.

Here at 1922, we believe in exquisite food, great experiences, and memories that carry through generations. Our story started in 1922, and it begins again at 1922. We hope you will join us.