Barbara Ayers’ commitment to her customers and her staff helped her build seven popular local restaurants. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Barbara Ayers stepped into the restaurant business organically when she recognized a need in the community and then made a career out of filling the void. When she moved to Catawba in 2003, she noticed that the area had few dining options, and the restaurants that did exist served mostly American diner fare. She saw a need for more options and eventually opened her first restaurant.

Today, she owns seven local, popular restaurants, and she doesn’t just fill a void. She also fills the community with venues that provide exceptional food and opportunities to create memories.

“When we moved here, we quickly realized there was a real need for more variety,” Ayers said. “After doing extensive research, we made the decision to get into the hospitality business and open a restaurant that would be unique to the area, and Nagoya was born.”

Spaghetti and meatballs are a customer favorite at Barbara Ayers’ Ciao Bella restaurant. (Submitted photo)

Ayers owns a diverse group of restaurants that offer everything from Japanese and Italian dishes to pizza and barbeque. As she prepared to open each new restaurant, she turned to the people who could give her the most expert advice – the people in her community.

“A lot of things go into deciding what type of restaurant to open, but the most important factor is, what does the community want and what will they be comfortable spending on lunch or dinner out,” she said. “We listened to our neighbors, friends, business owners, etc., and used what they said as our starting point.”

Ayers owns restaurants in both Port Clinton and Perrysburg, both of which give her unique opportunities for connection with her customers. In a small town, restaurant owners and customers cease to be seller and buyer. They become collaborative partners in building community.

“There is so much to be said about owning a restaurant, or any business, in a small town compared to larger cities: getting to know your customers personally, developing relationships with them, being part of their children’s birthdays, Christmas traditions, proposals, etc.,” she said. “Having a community that supports you through changes like economic shifts, epidemics, tragedies – it’s hard to put into words what that means to a local business owner.”

It isn’t just Ayers’ customers that invest in her success. It is also her employees. In a time when good employees can be difficult to find, Ayers has managed to create an atmosphere where her employees can enjoy their work and succeed. How has she done that?

“One word – family. Treat every employee as if they were your family – period,” she said. “I am so fortunate to have the most amazing group of employees. Most of my management team at all of the restaurants have been with me for ten-plus years, and we could not have gotten this far without any of them. I was once told to surround myself with people who know more than me, and that holds true to this day. I never stop learning from everyone that works in the restaurants.”

Ayers has an open-door policy with her staff, and communication and respect are the foundation of her leadership philosophy. That philosophy has helped her business thrive.

“When you are surrounded by great employees who have the same goals and take great pride in what they do, it makes my job is easy,” she said.

Barbara Ayers’ The Que in Port Clinton offers unique barbeque options. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Ayers doesn’t feel she faces unique challenges as a female restaurateur.

“I feel there is always going to be challenges regardless if you are male or female,” she said. “I am very confident in making decisions and pursuing new ventures, so I do find a lot of joy in accomplishing what I’ve sought out to accomplish. I do hope that young women can look up to me and feel like they can accomplish anything they want to do with a lot of hard work and determination.”

Young women who want to become business owners shouldn’t view their gender as an obstacle, Ayers said.

“Actively pursue your ideas. Always be open to suggestions and guidance. I have found that learning from others has been one of my greatest assets,” she said. “Never let being a woman turn into a challenge. There is nothing we can’t do.”

Barbara Ayers’ Port Clinton restaurants: Nagoya Hibachi Express, The Sushi Room, Ciao Bella, The Que

Barbara Ayers’ Port Clinton shop: The Lake House

Barbara Ayers’ Perrysburg restaurants: Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, Basil Pizza and Wine Bar