Cookeville Restaurants ? (rent, attorneys, house)

[gent3278]

I have noticed by reading this forum that there have been a few restaurants close in the Cookeville area ( Toots, Dukes and I just found out that East Side Cafe closed). I would not think that the recent smoking ban would play a big factor since this is a statewide ban. I am interested in opinions on this matter. My wife and I own a Cafe in Indiana and we also own a house in Cookeville. We have ate at the East Side Cafe several times and we are interested in opening a nice breakfast, lunch, and dinner Cafe in Cookeville. I am looking for information on the East Side Cafe or any other spot that might be a good fit for our concept. Your help would be appreciated.

[OneKEighty]

East Side Cafe was located just off the courthouse square in Cookeville. A good location for a "Meat & Three" style restaurant, I would think. In your post, you mentioned opening a place that would serve breakfast, lunch AND dinner. I believe that would go over well here in Cookeville, as most of the "meat & 3's" close early in the afternoon, and don't serve supper (Dipsy Doodle being the exception). Many of the places do a booming breakfast and lunch business, but close around 1:30 or 2:00 pm. Even though Cookeville is the restaurant capital of the Upper Cumberland, there really aren't many local (non-chain type) restaurants still open around here for supper. I think folks around here are looking for something like you described - I know that I am!

[JMT]

Originally Posted by OneKEighty

East Side Cafe was located just off the courthouse square in Cookeville. A good location for a "Meat & Three" style restaurant, I would think. In your post, you mentioned opening a place that would serve breakfast, lunch AND dinner. I believe that would go over well here in Cookeville, as most of the "meat & 3's" close early in the afternoon, and don't serve supper (Dipsy Doodle being the exception). Many of the places do a booming breakfast and lunch business, but close around 1:30 or 2:00 pm. Even though Cookeville is the restaurant capital of the Upper Cumberland, there really aren't many local (non-chain type) restaurants still open around here for supper. I think folks around here are looking for something like you described - I know that I am!

I agree with you. I wonder why East Side Cafe closed. I wonder if maybe the rent was increased because of its prime location? I hadn't eaten at East Side in YEARS, but I remember having many breakfasts there on my way to high school back in the 80s.

I think a meat-and-three that serves hot, delicious meals with homemade desserts would be wildly successful in Cookeville, particularly downtown where all those government employees and attorneys offices are within walking distance.

[RSMTN]

If the smoking ban is causing the restaurants to close someone should tell the "chains". It has not had any effect on the traffic I've seen. They are still serving marginal food and you can't stir the customers with a stick. It's unbelievable!