Trading spaces

Dave’s Express moving down the road to Liberty gas station

By Kaleigh Maher, news editor
Posted on September 6, 2007

Dave’s Taverna Express is moving down the hill to Dukes Liberty gas station on Port Republic Road.

“We love where we are,” David Miller, owner of Dave’s Taverna Express and Dave’s Downtown Taverna, said. “We love the location we’re at, we love the neighborhood, but we’re kind of squeezed for space.”

Currently, Dave’s Taverna Express shares their location at 810 Port Republic Road with a Citgo gas station, convenience store and a Dairy Queen.

“It’s a good opportunity to renew and refresh and take Dave’s Taverna Express to the next level,” Miller said.

Dave’s Express has been at the top of Port Republic road for ten years now, and according to Miller, moving down the hill will allow him to conduct more business.

Miller expects moving closer to the highway will increase traffic from travelers on 81 as well as people on campus. Being the only business in the building, Miller said his staff will have much more control over the maintenance and cleanliness of the restaurant.

The new restaurant will also have a larger and more efficient kitchen, said Miller. The relocated Dave’s Express will also have more phone lines to take more delivery and more phone lines to take more delivery and pick-up orders from customers.

“It’s a good opportunity to renew and refresh and to take Dave’s Taverna Express to the next level,” he said.

One part of the new level will include being open 24-hours a day.

“The late night business is there,” he said. “And we’re always trying to improve lunch and early day business.” 

At the new location Dave’s will occupy the entire building. Miller plans to run Dave’s as well as the gas station and a small convenience store.

Miller said he is realistically shooting for the move to take place on Oct. 1 .

“We’re hoping to be making a smooth transition,” he said.

A lot of students are excited for the move.

“I think it’s good because it’s really close to where all the people are,” sophomore Nick Koup said. “It’s walking distance.”

Senior Allison Beisler is also excited about an easier walk to Dave’s.

“I think it’s great because it’s closer to Forrest Hills,” she said.

Freshman Stephanie Simmons is excited about the move as well. Living on campus she said that the closer the restaurant moves the better.

“I’ve never had Greek food before,” she said. “But now I guess I’ll have the opportunity to try it.”

Not all students are happy about the move. Senior Christin Nirich said she walks to Dave’s from Southview all the time, but now she thinks it’s too far.

“I’m upset, they had the best location at the top of the hill,” she said.

Senior Ray Loflin agreed.

“It was so close, I was very happy being able to walk to it,” he said. “No one wants to walk that far down the hill and back up.”

Some students say the extra walk up and down Port Republic won’t stop them.

“I live in Fox hills and I’d go,” Junior Mike McKeen said.

Junior Katy Foucar-Szocki agreed cheering on the decision to move to the bottom of the hill.

She said, “Go Dave’s.”