B’s Cafe and Deli aims to be hub for activities, draw for other Orrville businesses, shops

After years of being closed, the Heartland Point building buzzes with energy once more as the B’s Cafe and Deli infuses new life into its halls .

“A lot of people have come in and said, ‘We’re so happy you’re open and we’re glad to be back in here,’” said Amy Hilty, owner of B’s Cafe and Deli.

The café, which opened in mid-June, promises to become a new community hub, offering sandwiches, salads, coffee, and, most importantly, a welcoming atmosphere.

For years, the Heartland Point Building was a central gathering place. The building on Main Street originally was the National City Bank until it was donated to the Heartland Education Community in 2005. It included a meeting room, children's playroom and the Heartland Point Cafe, which was operated by the J.M. Smucker Co.

However, like many businesses, the café was shut down during COVID and didn’t reopen.

Hilty initially was hesitant to take over the space as she already owns The Cheese Shoppe in Apple Creek with her husband.

“I thought I already had enough on my plate,” Hilty said.

But once she saw the spacious place and how it was set up, she decided to move forward and open the café. Hilty didn’t need to make any renovations as the place had most of the equipment and was ready to go.

“We haven’t made any renovations; it’s pretty similar to what it was before. It’s a beautiful place on its own without needing to do a lot,” she said.

B’s Cafe is named after her 8-year-old daughter, Brooklynn, whose nickname is B.

Panini came with a learning curve, but result is best-selling creation

Unlike The Cheese Shoppe, B’s Cafe offers hot sandwiches like paninis and wraps, a variety of salads, coffee, flavored energy drinks and a deli counter with different kinds of meats and cheese.

“We offer mostly subs and salads in the other shop, so it’s been a learning curve as it takes longer to make a panini than a sub,” Hilty said.

Hilty and her husband enjoy experimenting with new ingredients and recipes, but nothing goes on the menu without the approval of their taste group. One of their best-selling creations is the Pork Pushover panini, which is made with barbecue pork, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, jalapeños and sweet chili.

Adding energy drinks to the menu took a lot of research.

“It’s been different because it’s not something that we’ve ever done before,” she said.

B’s Cafe’s menu is not static. They offer seasonal sandwiches and salads or special drinks to keep things fresh and exciting.

A hub for activities is the plan for the future

Given the Heartland Point building's history as a community activity center, Hilty plans to bring back some of those activities.

“I heard about a bridge club that used to meet here and had a hard time finding space in Orrville to continue the club,” Hilty said. “They are getting ready to have their first bridge club meeting here at the beginning of August.”

Additionally, B’s Cafe plans to host various activities, such as tea parties and after-game parties for high school sports.

“We hope everyone feels they’re welcome to come back in here,” Hilty said.

The Heartland Point building, managed by Wiles Hanzie Realty, still has available spaces.

Searching for businesses to complement B's

Realtor Adam Hanzie said, “We are still looking for some additional tenants to occupy some space within the building.”

Hanzie has had conversations with community members about potential businesses that could complement B’s Cafe. Ideas have included pop-up shops and art studios.

“I hate to say any specifics; we are open to everything. I am not putting any certain guidelines or restraints,” he said.

For community members who want to share their ideas, they can contact Wiles Hanzie Realty's at 330-683-4663.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: B’s Cafe and Deli aims to be hub for activities, draw for other Orrville businesses, shops