Following the passing of his wife and co-owner of Tyeger’s Pizza Parlour in Bluffton, Tyeger Walton has announced on social media that the pizzeria served their final pizza on Dec. 23.
Walton and his late wife, Amy, opened the Bluffton staple in 2008. Walton called Amy “the brain, heart, and soul of Tyeger’s,” and he didn’t want to continue without her.
Walton said his wife perfected the recipes and promotions, including meatloaf pizza as a tribute to Amy in a thank you to their customers. Those faithful customers responded by filling the joint with a steady stream of business the last two days.
“Tonight, I was truly humbled by my community,” Walton posted on social media following a rush of customers on their final day. “The grace, patience, generosity, kindness and love that was shown tonight made for what was without a doubt, the best night of work I’ve ever had in my life. We said we would be open from 4 to 8 (p.m.), but served our last customer after 11 p.m.
“I cannot put into words the gratitude I have for all the love and kindness. All we ever wanted to do was provide the community with something unique they could be proud of. I really didn’t realize how much we were loved until today.
“As most now know, Amy passed away on Sunday. She would have been so happy to see what went on tonight and my first thought was to run home and tell her about it. Rest assured I did, I just didn’t have to run home to do it.”
Neon Pear opens at Union Street Market
A new lounge at Union Street Market builds on the history of the General Electric complex that once operated there.
The Neon Pear in the East Hall features wines, ciders, and handcrafted cocktails.
Why Neon Pear? That is also ripe — see what I did there? — with meaning. When they were building Electric Works, they discovered a pear tree that was more than 100 years old. It was removed and grafted into 100 trees at Dick’s Organics locally.
The Neon Pear is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.
Kiwanis’ ChocolateFest returns Feb. 9
Here’s something that will please your sweetie and your sweet tooth. That’s a Valentine’s Day hint for you.
ChocolateFest is set for Feb. 9 at Ceruti’s Diamond Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd., from 6 to 9 p.m.
Presented by the John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation, ChocolateFest benefits Riley Hospital for Children. The night includes chocolate dipping stations; white, milk, and dark chocolate; and a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar on the agenda.
But let’s not get carried away: there’s more than chocolate to sweeten the deal. It also includes a full dinner and live entertainment.
Tickets are $60. To register, go to givebutter.com/c/KiwanisChocolateFest or call (260) 749-4901.
City welcomes 4th Chipotle restaurant
Chipotle Mexican Grill has another location in Fort Wayne.
The new spot at 5044 E. Dupont Road is the fourth store in the city with other locations on Apple Glen Boulevard, Lima Road, and Coliseum Boulevard East.
Coffee shop opening on West Jefferson
Local chef Lindi Miller is set to open Dreaming Tree Café at 7121 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Taking its name from a Dave Matthews song, the shop will feature specialty coffee from Pure Earth Coffee, soups, sandwiches, salads, and other light options.
It is expected to open in January where Anastasia’s Café recently operated. The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Fresh fruit being delivered on Jan. 12
Indian River Direct is offering fresh citrus fruits in Fort Wayne from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at Menards, 6310 Illinois Road. They offer seedless Navel, Honeybell, and Temple oranges; Ruby Red Grapefruit; tangerines; and Georgia Elliott pecans.
Rescue Mission serves Christmas meals
The final tally hasn’t been announced, but The Rescue Mission was expecting to serve more than 5,000 meals on Christmas Eve. That’s up from 4,000 in 2023.
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