Social - April 2003

Cat Square comes alive at the Crossroads

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

What do breakfast, bands and beer have in common? They can all be found at one location in Cat Square.

Crossroads Bar and Grill is up and open for business. The mother/son-owned restaurant is located at the intersection of Cat Square and Reepsville roads.

“We did this up here because of the good people up here,” owner Chris Cummings says.

Cummings and his mother, Annette, opened the business in January.

“I always wanted to own a bar,” Chris says.

“I never dreamed I’d own a bar,” Annette adds.

Chris and Annette divide the work between themselves and two full-time employees. Their new business keeps them hopping — with a full breakfast and lunch menu, as well as ice cream, beer and mixed drinks.

The eclectic building is filled with tables, chairs and games like pinball and electric darts. Chris and Annette say families flock in for breakfast, and karaoke fans fill the place on Friday nights.

“We get about 200 people in here on Saturday nights,” Chris says.

Annette says she has worked hard to help get the business started. She works a full-time job in addition to working the bar and keeping the books.

“I’m very busy,” she says. “But I sleep late on Saturday and Sunday mornings.”

Chris started considering opening the business when he lost his job in September 2001. He held off until the referendum passed in Lincoln County to allow liquor by the drink.

The two bought the building — which previously housed several restaurants and a gas station — and began renovations.

Both mother and son say the business has given them a second family.

“We have regulars and make knew friends, kind of like a Cheers in Cat Square,” Annette says.

They do have their specialty items on the menu, Annette says. Chris makes hot wings, and Annette boasts her chicken salad.

But they have reliable help to fall back on in the kitchen.

“If someone doesn’t show up for work, our friends are up here cooking,” she says.

Although the establishment is a bar, Chris and Annette welcome families.

The children’s menu includes Jordan’s chicken tenders and Maddy’s corn dog — named after Annette’s grandchildren. The only time children are not encouraged to come to the bar and grille is on Friday and Saturday evenings. The atmosphere is more “club like” on the weekends.

Chris says he’s had favorable comments from the community.

“Everybody loves it and thinks it’s something west Lincoln has needed for years, ever since the dance hall closed in Cat Square.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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