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    Gene Walker’s Cafe on Long Now Open

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    The venue at 893 East Long Street has come alive once again with tonight’s grand opening of Gene Walker’s Cafe on Long. This new cafe has taken over the space previously inhabited by the Urban Spirit Cafe, which closed back in June.

    We spoke recently with cafe owner James Mason for a quick Q&A about the new business:

    Q: Can you tell us a bit about the concept behind the cafe?

    A: The Gene Walker’s Cafe on Long Street is named after the Columbus native and living Jazz legend Gene Walker. Gene Walker is a world-class jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader recording studio musician and educator. Since 1956 Gene has toured with The Beatles, King Curtis, Sam Cook, Jackie Wilson, Jimmy McGriff, The Drifters and The Platters. He has played with many notable musicians and entertainers including Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Shep and the Limelights, Jimmy Reed, The Isley Brothers, Brenda Lee, and Neil Diamond.

    Q: What will visitors notice that is new or different from Urban Spirit?

    A: Visitors of the Gene Walker’s Cafe on Long will experience fresh coffee, free wi-fi, as well as sidewalk furniture for an atmosphere that is perfect for all people. Taking inspiration from Jazz and the historic feel of the area, Cafe on Long is taking patrons in a new direction with top notch service, fine furnishings, and a heart to see the area develop.

    Q: Will the cafe serve food?

    A: An assortment of sandwiches will be served, Johnson’s Real ice cream, fresh coffee and on Sundays we will host a Jazz and Eggs event that will feature omelets, waffles, chicken and live jazz.

    Q: Anything else we should know?

    A: Come back home to Long Street, and come and see us grow. We also offer rental space for business meetings, personal events, parties, and other types of gatherings.

    Gene Walker’s Cafe is open Sunday 10am to 3pm, Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm and closed Saturday.

    More information can be found online at www.facebook.com/Gene-Walkers-Cafe-on-Long.

    Photos via Gene Walker Cafe.

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    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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