Tag Archives: restaurant
Grand Re-Opening of Checkers Old Munchen
On Wednesday, September 14, 2011 there was a buzz at 2209 E. Atlantic Blvd as Checkers Old Munchen Restaurant re-launched and showed off its new look. The restaurant took part in programs sponsored by the CRA for upgrading and revamping. They redid the facade, put in new windows…and boy, do they let in more light. The also redid the carpeting and the flooring around the bar, and put in new light fixtures all around. The outcome – a friendly neighborhood German restaurant – is even more warm and inviting.
I spoke with Mathew Moore, the current owner (the restaurant was passed down from his father). Mathew was very pleased with the outcome and was eager to point out the differences. Mathew told me that all of the recipes are family recipes brought over from Germany. They have had the same chef for the past eight years.
The re-opening brought in people to sample free sausage bites, potato pancakes, spaetzel, and pickled cucumbers, along with some beer.
Mathew showed me their “German Beer Tour Passport.” The concept is to expand their “friends;” that is what they call customers’ knowledge of beer. The idea is you get a “passport” with a list of the 25 beers they serve. Every time Checkers Old Munchen serves you a different beer, it gets checked off, dated, and initialed. When you complete your tour, a brass placard with your name engraved is then hung above the bar and you get the famous “Beer Boot” that is yours to drink out of. No need to try them all at once – in fact, that may not be such a good idea. Keep going back and enjoy the company.
Cocktails for a Cause at Christina’s Café
By Joseph Yacino
Christina’s Café, along with the East CRA, invited businesses and individuals to a cocktail reception to benefit Broward Children’s Center. The event was sponsored by the CRA and Christina’s Café. With the purchase of the ticket, guests were served a small Greek salad, an appetizer tasting platter, and a glass of beer or wine. The cost was only $15 per person (prepaid ticket required) with all proceeds going towards the Broward Children’s Center.
Christina’s Cafe is a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant that has been in business for the past five years. It is the first recipient of the East Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) grant of Merchant Assistance Program. The program funds established restaurants for interior improvements. Qualified businesses can receive up to $25,000.00.
What is a CRA?
A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent taxing district established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. These are the folks that make where we live just a little bit better and a great thing is EVERYONE is encouraged to attend the meetings and become involved.
The City of Pompano Beach is in the process of developing a Community Redevelopment Plan for the East Pompano Beach Redevelopment Area. The Redevelopment Plan will address an area 158 acres in size that generally encompasses the Atlantic Boulevard commercial business corridor from 18th Avenue to the Beach (see attached map). The redevelopment area also includes the beach and related parking facilities. Visit http://mypompanobeach.org/cra/east.html for more information.
