Angie Stone never meant to own a restaurant or a bar. Yet, 13 years later she is the successful proprietor of one of Harrison’s best-known establishments.
In 2009, Stone went to work as a bartender for a new business called Lackey’s at 1151 Harrison Avenue. On October 1—three months later—she purchased the business and re-opened as Triple Cats Bar and Grille.
For the first few years, Stone worked 17-hour days, five days per week. Her children Caden and Sophie were 5 and 9. She reinvented the business as a family-friendly destination with a huge food selection, including a kids menu. Over the years she added 27 beer taps, a pool room, darts and other games, and a patio. In 2020, she had just remodeled the 110-person dining room when COVID struck.
But the fight of her life began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer Oct. 4, 2021. Through several procedures and treatment, her wheels are still turning about what she will do next.
“I won’t quit for COVID,” Stone said. “I won’t quit for cancer. I will keep working my tail off.”
In October, Stone is launching a non-profit called “America’s Girls” to educate high school seniors about breast cancer awareness. Traveling across the U.S. by bus, Stone hopes to reach 17,000 girls with her story and breast self-exam instructions in 2023. The new adventure gives Stone the chance to combine her personal experience with the degree she earned in health promotion at the University of North Texas.
Stone is no stranger to sharing her brave and positive outlook. While going through chemotherapy, Stone was a source of encouragement for others. She was among the “Unsung Heroes” recognized by Cancer Family Care earlier this year.
“Her smiling face and positive attitude have brightened the days of many of our staff and patients,” said the nomination by Karen Butler. “She has cancer but it doesn’t have her.”
Meanwhile, Triple Cats carries on as a favorite place to gather for Harrison High School Wildcats, or to watch the University of Cincinnati Bearcats or the Bengals. Open daily for lunch, dinner and carryout, Triple Cats employs about 15 people. During October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, patrons can contribute to America’s Girls.