Inside Hobnob Corner, mornings began the same way for decades: coffee brewing, plates clattering, sunlight spilling across the worn wooden booth. Families caught up over pancakes, tourists discovered small-town comfort, and the scent of fresh baked cookies added to the ambiance on Main St. It is the kind of place you expect to always be there. But after nearly half a century of service, the Brown County restaurant that’s fed generations of residents and visitors will soon close its doors.

The owners announced in late September that their lease will not be renewed next spring, with its final day of service being Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, just as the golden fall leaves collect along the sidewalks.

The news came directly from the restaurant’s Facebook page, where management thanked customers and staff for their support over the years. “It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that after 46 wonderful years, our lease has not been renewed,” said in the Cole family’s post.

Hobnob Corner has occupied the building with deep local roots. According to the Our Brown County magazine, the building’s structure dates back to the late 1800s and once served as the F.P. Taggart Store– a general store that became a cornerstone of early Nashville commerce, then following, the Miller Drugstore.

The restaurant opened under the Cole family’s ownership in the late 1970s. For Eric Cole, who returned 18 years ago to help run his family business, Hobnob Corner has been about more than just the food service.

“It’s been more about focusing on building a good team than doing everything myself,” Eric Cole said. “It’s been really rewarding to develop some good people around me.”

Inside, the restaurant maintained a consistent charm over the years— with wooden booths and a steady rotation of breakfast and lunch classics. Many visitors said that the atmosphere added to its charm, while others saw it as part of Nashville’s traditional downtown landscape.

Following the closure announcement, customers shared reactions across social media. Many reflected on personal experiences at the restaurant, while others expressed surprise at the decision not to renew the lease.

“Most of my friends here were shocked like I was. I thought it would be here for all of my lifetime,” one customer wrote.

Another comment read, “This restaurant is what this town is about for 46 years…”

Others chose to visit in person before the restaurant closes. Nashville resident Sally Sare said she and her friends made a special trip after hearing the news.

“It’s a nice little place, it’s historical,” Sare said. “We did it today since we know they’re closing, and that just kind of makes me sad, so we said, ‘we better hit the Hobnob while we still can.”

Even as emotions ran high, the staff have kept their message focused on appreciation.
“It really is amazing how just a little restaurant can have an impact on a lot of people,” said manager Bess Cole.

As Nashville continues its busiest tourism season, the restaurant’s departure highlights the challenges small businesses face. Bird’s Nest Cafe with its brunch-focused menu, will become the new tenant to occupy a building with nearly 150 years of history. The question remains on if their business will receive as much time as Hobnob’s unforgettable run.

For those who have visited over the decades, Hobnob Corner remains part of the broader story of Nashville’s downtown, one that continues to live on through its generations of visitors.

Owners Mary and Warren Cole stand behind the counter of Hobnob Corner, the restaurant they have owned and operated for decades in Nashville, Indiana. The couple's dedication helped turn the cozy eatery into a beloved community staple.

A historic photo of the Hobnob Corner building in its early days, long before becoming the town's beloved gathering spot. The familiar corner remains a landmark, anchoring Nashville, Indiana's mix of old charm and enduring community spirit.

An old pharmacy cabinet still stands in the back of Hobnob Corner, a relic from the building's 19th-century days as Miller's drugstore and fountain service. The preserved bottles and tools offer a glimpse into the town's history that continues to live within the restaurants walls.

The interior of Miller's Drugstore and fountain service, the business that once occupied Hobnob's space. Its wooden floors and simple counter setup remains and reflects the buildings timeline.

Hobnob Corner staff gather on the back steps of the restaurant, sharing a moment together in a place that's felt like a second home. For years, the team has helped uphold the welcoming spirit that defines the Nashville landmark.

Frequent guests enjoy their morning coffee at Hobnob Corner, seated in one of the classic wooden booths. The cozy setting reflects the charm and warmth that keep locals coming back to the beloved eatery.