PERRYSBURG — The Lamplight Cafe and Bakery in the Perry’s Landing area near downtown has been closed
since Christmas. An expansion has been underway since its closing and it is expected to reopen for
business early in February.
According to Greg Rufty, managing partner of Extra Virgin Foods, his catering company purchased the
business in October.
“We expanded the space for the restaurant and the bakery. For the bakery, we teamed up with Abby Crosby
of So Many Somethings, who will expand her bakery to have a storefront,” Rufty said.
Rufty explained the Extra Virgin name is taken from the type of olive oil which is derived from the first
pressing of the olives and has the most delicate flavor.
“It is fresh, unique and healthy.”
He added they make their own sauces and dressings as well as their own soups.
Plans are to keep many of the original Lamplight specialties and recipes, including its potato salad,
chili and freckled ham sandwich.
The new Lamplight will offer many of the Extra Virgin Foods specialties. With the addition of a deep
fryer, the enhanced menu will include fresh-cut fries as well as Extra Virgin’s signature item, potato
balls. In simplest terms, potato balls are shredded potatoes with seasoning, rolled into a ball with
bacon and more and fried.
Rufty said, “It’s like a loaded baked potato, deep fried.”
The renovated space will also feature a family handicapped-accessible bathroom and enhanced decor,
including better lighting and a new floor.
The cafe first opened in Waterville more than 30 years ago in the Peddler’s Alley operated by Kevin Haas.
It will be open seven days a week for lunch. After the Farmer’s Market season, the plans are for the
cafe to stay open for dinners on Thursdays and perhaps other days.
Rufty’s business partners include Brett Harlett, who will handle accounts and finances, and Randy Hansen,
who has a culinary degree from Florida Culinary Institute. Rufty will focus on sales and business
development.
Extra Virgin Foods currently focuses on catering and is based out of its Fort Meigs Road operation, where
many of the items for the cafe will be prepared. Extra Virgin Foods has been operating for more than
five years and also serves its hot lunches to various area schools.
“We handle private catering from small family meals to corporate gatherings of 600-plus,” he said.
Crosby sells her baked goods at the booth beside Extra Virgin Foods at the Perrysburg Farmers Market. She
promises to bring more of the same to her So Many Somethings Bakery within the Lamplight.
“This works out well for me. I have been growing my bakery and there was nothing that could hold me
back,” she said.
Crosby’s home-based hobby became a business in January 2014. She will use the Extra Virgin Foods
warehouse kitchen for most of her baking but will put the finishing touches on her items on site.
Crosby said she is noted for her gourmet marshmallows, her cupcakes and her signature “Hero Cakes.”
Her specialty is made by baking a layer cake topped with a person’s favorite ingredients.
“It’s a giant sugar mess, but it is made to be their hero. We use all of their favorites,” Crosby said.

The cafe will seat about 50 people with another 20 or so seats for bakery customers whose sweet tooth
can’t wait to get home.