Significant in the Ethiopian culture is eating from the same plate and sharing the same bread (called injera). It is said that people who eat from the same plate and break bread together will create a bond of friendship and personal loyalty.
The Spot Restaurant made its beginnings from a man named Spot Miller. In 1907, Spot brought his chuckwagon into town and set-up business at the corner of Court Street and Ohio Avenue. The city would not allow him to sell meals this way. His solution was to remove the wheels, and add some awnings to create a permanent structure.
The Chuckwagon was the restaurant between 1907 and 1934. In 1934, a more permanent building was erected at the Court and Ohio location. That structure was destroyed by a fire on New Year’s Eve in 1940. After its remodeling in 1941, the current facility is a fine example of the streamlined Art Moderne architectural style with its smooth, unornamented wall surface faced with gleaming white porcelain tile. A mid-century modern neon sign still hanging over the front door is still the Spot trademark. The inside of the restaurant has been remodeled approximately 25 times over the years. The last major renovation occurred in 1976 giving the restaurant it’s current layout.
