Cookie Jar Cafe scheduled to re-open late January 2024
UPDATE:
DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Cookie Jar Cafe is making final additions to their building before reopening. The restaurant is making repairs after catching fire earlier in the year.
The restaurant posted to social media on Thursday with a photo of them making “finishing touches” to the front of the building.
However, they said it will likely be the end of January before they finally reopen.
“Thank you all for your prayers and support during all this! God’s timing is perfect and we will open as soon as we can!” the restaurant said in their post.
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DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) — Well-known Dunlap family restaurant, the Cookie Jar Cafe, caught fire at the end of June.
Now just over four months later, the owners are announcing their target re-opening.
Owner, Sue Ann Lockhart said, “We are extremely excited to get everyone back up here. And I know people are excited to see the building and to see what all we’ve done. It has been a very long four months for us. But we do hope to be open by January 2nd.”
The family decided to rebuild in July and has made substantial progress.
In 60 days, they are looking at re-opening their doors to welcome back their beloved customers.
“It’s such a blessing and so humbling to see how much we meant to the community. I knew how much they meant to us, but I had no idea how much we meant to them. So that is one thing we are looking forward to getting back into the groove of and seeing all those smiling faces come through these brand-new doors,” Lockhart said.
Lockhart says they are making space for jar donations and also encourage people to make reservations the week they re-open.
Renovations will create more seating area inside the restaurant but maintain the iconic look of the building.
In the meantime, you can follow the Cookie Jar Cafe on Facebook for updates and sneak peeks along the way.
“I’m going to be posting some little tid bits along the way. Kind of showing you what it’s going to look like. Because it’s totally different but yet kind of the same. So, we have little hints here and there,” Lockhart said.
Gift cards are still available online and for sale.
You can purchase a gift card that will be available for use in the building once they are open.
Lockhart said their menu will feature new dishes along with their local favorites.
“Our menu is going to basically remain the same. We have all of our staple items that I know everyone is worried about– like the meatloaf and the coconut pie. But we are adding a few things that we have had requests for along the way. Some new entrees and a couple new appetizers. But for the most part, you can expect the same good food that you always have, and the sourdough rolls. My sister Bonnie has kept that starter rolling, so it’s ready to go when we are!”
As she reflects on the progress made, Lockhart also shared her testimony during this challenging time: “This was one of the most devastating things I have ever been through in my life. And it definitely was a ‘footprint in the sand’ moment for me. Because the Lord knows that I couldn’t have made it without Him, and He carried me most of the way.”
The family looks forward to their expansion and grand re-opening at the start of next year.
They are grateful for the continuous community support.
“It’s such a journey dealing with something like this. It’s ups and downs, and ins and outs. But I wouldn’t have changed it for the world, and I can’t wait for everybody to see the building,” Lockhart said.
