Medina banks on a new restaurant

  • 2014-09-26
Any Medina diners who might have wondered what it might be like to eat their meals in a bank vault now have a chance to find out.

P.J. Marley's Restaurant & Pub opened officially on September 12, but had been welcoming customers for the preceding week. P.J. Marley's, a small restaurant seating 87, is a casual-dining outlet that has taken over the former Key Bank building, located at 119 Public Square.

The venture is the work of Jon and Patty Stahl, who are the ‘P.J.’ of the name, while Marley was their dog. Jon chose this location because he grew up in Medina. The Stahls were excited about opening a restaurant in a bank, and worked hard to retain the ambiance of the structure. The building dates back to 1891, when it was the First Savings Deposit Bank of Medina County.

The Stahls saved the original crown molding, the bank teller wall with its filigreed decoration, and the portholes through which armed security guards watched the doorway, guarding against the bank robbers of the Depression. They also preserved the bank vault, complete with safety Boxes. It can seat four, and is the only spot in the restaurant requiring reservations.

Since so much of the restaurant is part of the original bank building, the Stahls might consider working with brochure printers to create a booklet for free distribution, explaining the building’s history.
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