LANCASTER, Ohio – Lancaster favorite Cherry Street Pub is the second venture for owners Billy and Lorena Smith.

They had previously run Billy Crickets restaurant, also in Lancaster, for 15 years.

After spending four years in Florida and traveling the country, the couple returned back to its roots, repurposing this familiar century old cornerstone, that sits just outside the city’s growing downtown historic district. 

“We wanted what I'll call an American pub. You know something that had local character, local pictures, and celebrated the history of this corner. We travel a lot. We get great ideas from different places and tweak them and put them on the menu and make them our own so to speak,” says owner Billy Smith.

The Smiths have also given back to the community through charitable efforts.

Last year they launched the non-profit food truck FreeChee, offering grilled cheese and tomato soup to those communities in need of disaster relief. They feed 5,000 displaced residents in Florida after hurricane Michael and most recently in Dayton after a string of 21 tornados hit the Buckeye state on Memorial Day. For the Smiths, it's not only the opportunity to share a meal but also hugs, laughter, and even tears.

We're in such a great community and it inspires you to do more. We had an idea for probably 20 years to build a food trailer that did nothing but grilled cheese and tomato soup, high volume, fast paced to go to areas of need,” says Billy Smith. 

“We're just able to go in and just share a grilled cheese with them, share a sandwich, let them know everything is going to be ok. There are other people out there that have your back. You know like, we're all in this together,” says Owner, Lorena Smith. 

The Smiths say they always look to challenge themselves and admit its the hard work from staff members that helps the operation thrive in the growing community of Lancaster. 

“We're here to be different. We're here to be better and they stick with us through thick and thin. We've got a great staff and I think that rubs off on our customers and that's why they have a great experience here,” says Billy Smith. 

A customer favorite is their house-made chicken and pecan waffles served with hot sauce and maple syrup and pecan honey butter.

They also feature the Hangover Part III, stuffed with fried baloney, cheeseburger, bacon and a fried egg on top with tater tots. 

And just when you think you've tasted every wing sauce out there, Cherry Street Pub offers wings with peanut butter and jelly. 

If you're feeling bold on an empty stomach and aren't counting calories., you can try the Cherry Street Challenge. Hundreds have tried, less than 20 have actually completed the task. 

“Three Belgian waffles, 10 ounces of corned beef, 10 ounces of ham, 12 strips of bacon, six scrambled eggs, American and cheddar cheese and butter and syrup. You have 30 minutes to eat it and its $25. If you eat it you get a shirt and we pay for it,” says Lorena Smith. 

The Cherry Street Pub is Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, with brunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.