Tanners Historic Cafe 100th + 1 Anniversary set for April 22, 2023

by Vicki Simpson, PIO

Wartburg, Tennessee – The Tourism Alliance of Morgan County is excited to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Tanner Historic Building and the one year anniversary of the Tanner’s Historic Café! A celebration will take place on Saturday, April 22nd beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a presentation of a Proclamation from Senator Ken Yager. Other guests will include elected and appointed federal, state and local officials.

The Café will be open from 8 a.m. to 11a.m. At 11 a.m., the Café will close for the ceremony and then reopen at12:00 p.m. until 4 p.m. with a limited lunch menu.

Tanners Historic Cafe once featured the town’s first heated running water and a shower that local miners would pay five cents to use to wash off the dirt and coal dust. The restoration included a new shower that will be available to through-hikers passing by on the nearby Cumberland Trail. Hikers will also be able to get information, directions, charge devices, relax and have a warm meal. In the near future, the Café will have items in stock so hikers can replenish their essential supplies. Wartburg is currently the only town along the planned 300+ mile trail route which crosses Tennessee from North of Chattanooga to the Cumberland Gap Park in Virginia.

The Cafe is on the National Registry of Historic Places and as such, the repairs and restorations attempted to preserve the original style and appearance of the building wherever possible. Due to years of neglect, much of the building had to be rebuilt after the roofing system was replaced and leaks repaired. The electrical and plumbing was brought up to code and the damaged ceilings, walls and floors were repaired or replaced.

Photo of Grand Opening, April 22, 2022!

For more information about Tanners Historic Cafe, visit mctamoco.com, Facebook - @tannershistoriccafe or Instagram – tannershistoriccafe. We are looking forward to seeing you here!