When Ed Curtis purchased a red caboose for his namesake building at 915 Main St., he thought it would be the host of a snack bar with an outdoor deck for Downtown patrons. What showed up in early 1995 made him change course.
“Ed was surprised how small the caboose was,” according to Stacy Stevens, owner of Landmark Realty & Development, Inc., which manages the building.
Now a carry-out place, The Caboose has housed seven tenants over its almost 30 years. Current tenant Robyn Legeay ran a catering business on the East Side but always wanted to move into The Caboose, which she did three years ago.
“It’s quaint and cozy,” she says. “It’s my happy place.”
While she still operates Catering by Robyn, many days she can be found chatting up
the regulars — many from The Curtis Building or Civic Center — who frequently buy lunch at The Caboose. Although carry-out only, outdoor seating is available during nice weather.
“I know most of my customers,” says Legeay.
“And their order,” adds Ann Stuckey, a friend of Legeay’s who often helps out.
Regulars call or text Legeay their orders, so they know exactly when to pick up. With only two medium-sized refrigerators, she makes daily shopping trips to stock up. Patrons can select from breakfast sandwiches like The Caboose Burrito or a Breakfast Croissant and wash it down with a smoothie made with almond milk or protein powder in a variety of flavors.
The Caboose’s wraps and salads take center stage, with choices incorporating fruit like honey crisp apples and dried cranberries, Southwest flavoring via Colby jack cheese, Italian twists with salami and pepperoni, and a monthly seasonal salad as well. Some of its most popular items include Legeay’s buffalo chicken and chicken bacon ranch wraps. The Caboose offers specials, like taco salad every Thursday, and changes them each season.
Legeay’s favorite part of restaurant service? “People. Talking to people and meeting people.”
CHEW CHEW
Open 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. To place an order ahead of time, call or text 812- 453-2679. Walk-ins welcome while supplies last.
