Uniontown Cafe re-opens doors

Thursday, March 6, 2008
Uniontown Cafe owner Renee Harclerode beams with happiness after cutting the ribbon on the business she said she has dreamed of owning for years. Uniontown Ruritan members join Harclerode for the ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning. Tribune photo/Jason E. Silvers

UNIONTOWN -- A popular community meeting place recently reopened its doors to the public.

The Uniontown Cafe, located on the north edge of the downtown square, has been an institution in the small town for several decades. After being closed for a little more than a year, the tiny diner opened for business once again on Feb. 5. The reopening came about because of its purchase by area resident Renee Harclerode.

Harclerode, who lives just across the street from the cafe, said she has finally been able to realize her dream of one day owning her own restaurant. She also has three daughters and other family members who she said will help her run the family-owned and operated restaurant.

"I've always wanted a restaurant and now I have my chance," she said. "I've spent many years cooking and baking for family and I love it."

Harclerode said the diner has been a traditional gathering place for members of the local community for the last 70 to 80 years. Patrons of the diner will often meet each morning or afternoon to talk about a variety of topics over a cup of coffee and a meal.

"It's very homey here," she said. "We have a really nice clientele. Several family members also like to gather here."

Business has been booming since the restaurant reopened about a month ago. Several customers travel from nearby communities to socialize and sample the restaurant's fare, which includes a variety of menu items ranging from biscuits and gravy to steak and baked potatoes, Harclerode said. The restaurant also recently began offering several different flavors of ice cream, she said.

"Business has been very good," she said.

The restaurant currently offers breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday and will soon begin offering Sunday meal specials, Harclerode said.

The Uniontown Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.