The Spot restaurant was opened in 1907 when a man parked a chuck wagon on the corner of Court and Ohio Street. Regulations at the time prohibited food establishments on wheels so he took them off and a permanent structure was born for the Spot Restaurant. This man, known as Spot Miller, sold the restaurant in 1913 to Joseph Cook and it became known as Cook’s Spot. In 1917 Ray Anderson became a partner in the business. The two gentlemen started a chain of “Spot to Eat” restaurants in Athens, Urbana, Lima, Bellefontaine, and Piqua. Only the original exists today! It was during this time in the early twenties that the special was “28 burgers for $1.00”!

It still says Cook’s Spot on the sides of the current building which was built in 1941 after a New Year’s Eve fire destroyed the business. The current facility is a fine example of the streamlined Art Moderne style with a smooth, unornamented wall surface faced with gleaming white porcelain tile. A mid-century modern neon sign over the door is intact.

In 1950, Robert Hepler, a Lima native, purchased the Spot. Under his ownership, the catering business was created. Homemade pie also became a priority and the restaurant is now famous for spot Pies, all made fresh from scratch daily.

In 1980, Robert and Barbara Eilert purchased the facility and continued the tradition in both the restaurant and catering. During their ownership the catering business was built and expanded into what it is today. A new catering kitchen was also built. They also entered into an agreement to provide the catering services at the Oaks Club at Shelby Oaks Golf Course.

In 1999, Barry Eilert and Michael Jannides purchased the restaurant and catering business and continued building the long time Sidney institution.

In May 2002, Michael Jannides purchased Barry’s interest in the business thus becoming the third generation in his family of owning a restaurant in downtown Sidney. Michael’s grandfather, John Kookootsedes, owned and operated the Purity Confectionery from 1919 to 1962 on the Northwest corner of the Square. From 1962 to 1967 the Purity operated out of the Ohio Building by his uncle, George Kookootsedes. Michael plans on continuing the long tradition of providing that homemade taste that is the Spot and family tradition.