MURFREESBORO - For 124 years, City Cafe stood as a cornerstone of Murfreesboro, a place where time seemed to slow, and people gathered not just for meals but for moments of connection. Since its opening on February 10th, 1900, the cafe served generations of families, becoming an enduring symbol of community. But now, after less than a month of their 125th anniversary, the owners have made the difficult decision to close its doors, citing the economic challenges that have become insurmountable.
“It breaks our hearts to have to make this post,” wrote owners Rollin and Teresa in a heartfelt announcement on Facebook. “This economy has literally broken us. We’ve tried so hard to stay ahead, but when you have more going out than coming in, it catches up with you.”
For Rollin, Teresa, and the dedicated team behind City Cafe, this was more than just a business - it was their passion, their family, their dream. The cafe wasn’t just a place to eat; it was a place where strangers became friends and friends became family. “Our motto has always been, ‘You come in as a stranger and you leave as family,’” they shared, a sentiment that resonated with every patron who passed through their doors.
City Cafe weathered decades of change, from the Great Depression, to the Covid pandemic, to modern economic challenges. But the current climate proved too much to endure. Rising costs, shrinking revenues, and the uncertainty of the economy left the owners with no choice but to close. “No one could have foreseen the economy would be in the situation it is now,” the announcement explained. “We hoped to keep the cafe in our family for another 124 years, but unfortunately, we’re not in a position to wait for things to improve.”
Despite the heartbreak, Rollin and Teresa are focusing on the blessings that City Cafe has brought into their lives. Over the years, the cafe became more than a business; it became a home away from home. Bonds formed with employees, customers, and the wider community shaped their journey in ways they will cherish forever. “We’ve been blessed to know our community in ways we never could have without this cafe,” they wrote. “We’ve been blessed to create family bonds with our employees and our customers.”
The news of the closure has prompted an outpouring of memories and gratitude from the community. For countless residents, City Cafe wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a constant, a place to celebrate milestones, meet friends, or simply enjoy a warm meal in a welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s hard to run a business, and even harder when it’s a small business,” the owners shared. “We poured our blood, sweat, and tears into City Cafe because we loved it. She’s a part of our family, and we’ve worked hard to make her a part of yours.”
As they prepare to close the doors for the final time, the owners remain grateful for the journey. They put their faith in God and trust that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason isn’t yet clear. “We don’t know what’s going to come of the cafe from here, but we truly thank you all for your support during our time here,” they shared.
City Cafe’s closure marks the end of an era, but its legacy will live on in the hearts of those it touched. The memories created within its walls will remain a part of Murfreesboro’s history—a testament to the power of community, resilience, and love.
