TIFFIN, Ohio — The Empire Restaurant, located at 138 South Washington Street in downtown Tiffin, has announced a rebranding and reinvention as The Empire Bistro.
Formerly recognized for its fine dining, the restaurant now features a more casual, neighborhood-style atmosphere designed to resemble a local pub.
The Empire Bistro’s new menu includes burgers, salads, steaks, and rotating weekly specials, with an expanded beverage lineup that adds more domestic, imported, and craft beer options.
The restaurant space has been renovated to better reflect Tiffin’s local architectural character and to create a more versatile dining environment suitable for casual meals and social gatherings. Updates include new televisions for sports viewing and themed nights such as Burger & Beer and Ladies Night Out.
Co-owner Rick Reser said the goal was to create a place that welcomes everyone, while Manager Sharon Elchert described the bistro as a space for community and connection.
The Empire Bistro will open for Friday lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. The bar will remain open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are not required, and a private event room continues to be available for special occasions.
A ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Seneca Regional Chamber & Development, a division of the Seneca County Collaborative, will take place Friday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend and may order from the new menu during the event.
For more information, visit The Empire Bistro’s website, their Facebook page, or call 419-448-7733.
