Catering to downtown workers, despite many working from home

The Lunch Box, a downtown cafe and catering company, is opening its third location at 465 Main St., inside the Lafayette Court Building, located just off the first floor lobby on Oct. 10. 

That is quite an accomplishment, considering the population of downtown office workers haven’t returned to full force since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

“Things are going well, and we have our amazing team of employees to thank for that,” said Ben Kestner, who co-owns the Lunch Box with his wife, Allie Kestner.

The Lunch Box has locations at 500 Seneca St. and in the Tri-Main Building, 2495 Main St.

With more people working from home – and grabbing meals in their own kitchens – restaurants downtown have a smaller population of customers to draw from.

But the Kestners, both trained at the Culinary Institute of America, said nurturing the talent of its own workers has helped the company make the most of the market.

“We pride ourselves in being a place for our people to bring their ideas and passions to life,” Ben Kestner said.

With the opening of the new store, the Kestners have promoted three employees who will have a direct say in the items the company serves.

The company has also diversified operations at the latest location, adding a bakery, a liquor license and a venue to host private catered events.

In addition to the sweet baked goods used at all Lunch Box locations, the bakery makes the savory breads and rolls for all of the company’s sandwiches. 

The attached Lola’s Bakeshop is named after the Kestners’ daughter.

“It is designed to make guests feel like they are a part of the baking experience while they are visiting, much like our daughter, who loves to jump in the kitchen to ‘help’ bake at home,” Ben Kestner said.

In addition to the Lunch Box’s assortment of bagels, sandwiches, salads, soups and wraps, Lola’s will offer things such as breads, rolls,…