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Sturkeys leave Mesh restaurant

Paul and Pam Sturkey stand inside one of two glass-enclosed wine coolers, which are part of Mesh's main dining room.

Paul and Pam Sturkey stand inside one of two glass-enclosed wine coolers, which are part of Mesh's main dining room in this 2007 file photo.

Paul and Pam Sturkey are seen inside Mesh restaurant in this 2006 file photo.

Mesh restaurant is in Union Centre in West Chester Twp.

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By Danielle Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 11:18 AM Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The chefs behind a local upscale restaurant say they've decided to leave the business to pursue other opportunities.

Former Mesh Executive Chef Paul Sturkey and Pastry Chef Pam Sturkey parted ways with the West Chester Twp. restaurant Monday, March 30, Paul Sturkey said.

"It was time for a lifestyle change," said Paul Sturkey, who was a managing partner in the restaurant.

Without releasing specific details, he said the restaurant was changing directions and the couple felt it was time to leave.

"We're going on a leap of faith that God is going to bring us some opportunities down the road," Paul Sturkey said.

The restaurateurs were behind Mesh's contemporary dining concept at the restaurant that has been popular with locals since its August 2007 opening on Mulhauser Road, with the valet service as an option in the parking lot.

Paul Sturkey said the decision to leave Mesh was two-fold.

The couple will focus more time on his salad dressing bottling company, Paul Sturkey Bottling Co., and his wife's pastry business.

Pam Sturkey is expecting to make her pastries available through retail outlets nationwide, her husband said on Tuesday, March 31.

The couple also will spend more time with their children, ages 10 and 12, Paul Sturkey said.

He looks forward to family dinners he missed by staying at work sometimes until 1 a.m.

Sturkey opened his first restaurant in Cincinnati in 1998. He also owned Encore Café in West Chester Twp.

The owners of Mesh did not immediately return phone calls for comment.

Staff Writer Mandy Gambrell contributed to this report.

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Mesh has KILLER crabcakes!!!!!! I don't care who makes them. To me, this place is only for special occasions. I would eat here more often if I had FU money.

Matthew
3:25 PM, 6/11/2009

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Why the negative comments? I enjoyed Paul's work when he operated the Encore Cafe in Springboro. The restaurant is a tough business and he seemed to have success at Settler's Walk. BTW... locals would be pleased to have a new restaurant in the vacant "Encore" location...
Call it the "Settler's Inn" and serve a full menu of family fare at reasonable prices.

Donald
3:09 PM, 5/8/2009

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I knew him a long time and never really thought too much of him.

Hane
3:27 PM, 5/1/2009

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Now that Stuckey is gone I will give the restaurant a try.

jack
10:08 PM, 4/30/2009

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