Following the announcement of the first restaurateur of The Centennial stepping down, the building owner has named the new individual that will be taking over.

Why Not Us, the group of women that owns the building, says Bailey Porter of Boone, will take over as the operator of The Centennial restaurant. According to Why Not Us, the 2015 Ogden High School graduate, has degrees from Iowa Central Community College in culinary arts, baking, hospitality and business. Why Not Us President Peg Raney says Porter has traveled to over 15 countries, including working at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Germany, and is excited to bring her wide range of experience and skill set to the restaurant on the downtown square in Jefferson.

“We just thought, ‘How wonderful to bring that into Jefferson.’ And then when we met her, we just knew she was perfect for it. She’s so personable, she wants to get to know people in the community, she’s already been digging in and learning about Jefferson, and the kinds of things that are going on here. So, there’s just so much that we’re impressed with her, she’ll be great!”   

As for the now former restaurateur, Sara Ostrander, Raney thanks her for bringing their group’s concept of a local place to eat wonderful food to life, which everyone took notice beyond Greene County’s borders.

“She brought people in from all over the state. She was so eloquent and good about speaking to people. We love Sara and we wish her the very best, she just did an awesome job.”  

Raney adds that Porter plans to have The Centennial Cafe open by December 8th, with plans to be open 10am-2pm Monday-Friday, with breakfast and lunch options available. Click here to follow more from The Centennial Cafe.