ARDMORE - Through the years, the debate over the health of Ardmore's business district has raged on.Some argue that Ardmore is in dire trouble; others say Ardmore is as strong as ever.
Now, one of those business owners who always thought Ardmore was a great place in which to invest is putting his money where his mouth is with the opening of the area's newest restaurant, J.R. Monaghan's.
Joe Rufo, longtime owner of Brownies 23 East, a business he renovated and reopened nearly 15 years ago, co-owns the new restaurant which is located just across the street from Brownies.
"It was a complete renovation; everything is new," Rufo said in an interview last week.
J.R. Monaghan's is located in the space that had formerly housed the All Natural Market, 30 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. The entire space is 32,000 square feet.
For Rufo, there was little doubt that Ardmore is a place worth investing in.
"I like Ardmore," Rufo said. "I think Ardmore is a great town with good people, and this was a vacant space in the middle of the business district."
Though some people in the business community and the township had argued that Ardmore was in decline, Rufo said he never thought that was true.
"I never really believed Ardmore was dying," Rufo said. "I was always one of the people saying, 'What are you talking about?' The market we took over was here for 15 years. What Ardmore needs is organic growth, just like this, when an owner-operator can come in, spend some of his own money and renovate a space."
Rufo said a restaurant can also help other businesses by getting more people in town walking around.
"There's 65 people in there for lunch. That helps create foot traffic on the street. Maybe once they're done eating, they'll stop by Harry's [Treasures] and buy something. I just think it's good for everybody to create more foot traffic," Rufo said.
The name for the restaurant comes from a combination of the two owners' names, Joe Rufo (J.R.) and Ed Monaghan.
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