By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Caleb Bowman wasn’t going to let a little chilling rain or remnants of snow put a cold blanket on his plans to get started with the rest of his life Monday morning. Bowman and his fiancé held the grand opening for their business, Caleb’s Brookside Dari, on East Street in Galion, formally Darlene’s Dari Bar.
Bowman discusses getting into business for himself along with his fiancé Kylie McIe.
“My parents bought this business last year and I actually took over, bought it from them this year, ’cause I ran if for them all last year and actually liked doing it,” Bowman said. “So it is definitely a new experience for me. I’m just ready to see and try what I can do. Hopefully I can build it up.”
McIe said the couple started dating while both worked at the ice cream takeout for Bowman’s parents.
“”I’ve actually been working here for three years,” McIe said. “We just got engaged in December. (It) was kind of an engagement present from his parents. They said, ‘You’re getting married, start off right.’”
Bowman said while the menu may be the same this summer as it was in 2013, he does hope to add something new for his patrons.
“One of these days I hope to be able to move it over it to a bigger place, expand it a little and have some inside seating,” Bowman said. “We actually are going to probably start delivering this year, hopefully in April. So that will be something new.”
The business, which celebrated Mnday with a Galion-Crestline Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, is definitely staying in the family as Bowman’s father bought it from his cousin prior to selling it to Caleb and Kylie. Bowman said plans are for the business to be open from March to October.
Bowman is a Galion High School graduate and says he likes the area and wanted to remain. He figured being a business owner was a good way to do that.