FARLEY’S HOTEL CAFE
New Greene County business has old-time sweets, treats
Farley’s Hotel Café is a new business with an old-fashioned look and offerings, including ice cream sodas, baked potatoes and unique coffees.
It’s a “palace of sugar and salt,” said owner Farley Toothman, adding that he hopes it brings people together “one cup or cone at a time.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in February to celebrate the opening of the business on South Morgan Street in Waynesburg at the site of one of the borough’s oldest hotels.
Toothman, an attorney and former judge who was born and raised in Greene County, was finishing up renovations in 2017 on the building next door to the Waynesburg Hotel and Lounge when he noticed a For Sale sign.
“It had been vacant for about seven years and was taking on water,” but he could still see the building’s potential.
“I caught a glimpse of the architectural backbone of the place and spent six years of evenings and weekends trying to expose it,” Toothman said.
While the building still has many unique features, it has gained memorabilia and historical items suitable for an old-time drug store and soda fountain.
“Guests will be able to spend hours looking at all that is on display,” said Melody Longstreth, executive director of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to coffees and different types and flavors of ice cream treats, the cafe’s menu includes loaded baked potatoes, or “taters,” in chili, TexMex and other choices.
“It offers several entertainment and menu selections in one place,” said Mike Belding, chairman of the Greene County Commissioners.
“Coffee and ice cream in one room, a full ice cream menu in another and then karaoke ... a small band or soloist and ample sitting room,” he said.
Themes in the rooms range from a law library to coal mining to piano music. One has an upsidedown dish ceiling.
Farley’s Hotel Café has featured celebrity baristas who are wellknown politicians and businesspeople in Greene County and will do more in the future.
“It’s got something for everyone,” said Belding.
Toothman said he tried to maintain the old hotel’s down-to-earth history.
“[It was] never a fancy place, quite the opposite. But as a rooming house it was always full of stories and the local characters,” he said.
Currently open only on Fridays, the café will have expanded operating hours in the future. There is an outdoor deck that will likely be a big attraction in warm weather.
“I encourage everyone to stop in and experience this unique opportunity to step back in history,” said Belding.