The Spring Air Cafe

The following article appeared in the November 17, 1966 issue of The Raymond News:

When Raymond's 125 Years of Memories book was published in 1996, Cheryl and Bill Ntanos owned and operated the Spring Air Cafe. According to the history that was provided for the book, the Harper's operated the restaurant until 1971 when they sold it to Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Harley. The book also lists a number of different owners through the years including Randy Mullen, Ron Boston, and Theo and Mary Brown. Here is more from the history book: 

Mrs. and Mrs. John Harper developed the entire southwest corner at the junction of Routes 48 and 127. They purchased it in 1957 from the Guthrie Estate and in 1959 built a modern 10 unit motel and dining room which has been converted to apartments and is now owned by Dave and Fran Benning. In 1965, Harper's  built a Texaco station to the east of the motel and leased it to their daughter and her husband, Bonnie and Charlie Frazier. The station later became Watson Shell and is now Raymond Shell. The new brick restaurant was built in 1966 east of the Texaco Station. Mr. and Mrs. Harper then remodeled the dining room at the motel into an apartment and they lived there for a number of years. 

I have nice memories of going to the Spring Air back in the 70's. By then, my brothers were married and on their own, and my parents could afford to go out a little more often. We would often go out to eat there on Thursday nights after mom got her hair done, and the place would be packed.  

When I was in Raymond in March, my family enjoyed lunch at the cafe which is now owned by Fatos Sadiku and is called Tosi's Diner. The interior has been completely renovated, and the food and the service were great. There was a big lunch crowd, and it was nice seeing so many local folks patronizing the place, just like in the old days. 

Tosi's is open and offering carry-out during the current health emergency, and daily specials are available. If you live in or near Raymond, be sure to support this great local business
(217-229-3045).