Story by Karen Parr-Moody
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Miss Lucille’s Marketplace, a Sango hotspot that opened up a year and a half ago, woos customers with its antiques, hand-painted furniture and charming objects of décor. On any given day the parking lot is almost full, as visitors from the area and beyond arrive to seek out one-of-a-kind finds.
Now this unique blend of old-meets-new has another selling point: Miss Lucille’s Café, which opened on Nov. 12. Billing itself as having “a traditional menu with an innovative twist,” the café is located inside the massive marketplace at 2231-A Madison Street. It is opened Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Chef Ross Wilson, who is known locally for his sophisticated flair, has fashioned a menu filled with sandwiches, soups, salads and sweets. Among the items are a chicken pita sandwich, a veggie panini, a BLT and the classic chopped salad. Pies, cookies, cakes and muffins round out the mix.
The café’s lights are low, rustic woods warm the walls and antique chairs encircle the tables. Dana Knott, who owns the business with her husband, Trent, said that their daughter, Luci Knott Armitstead strongly influenced the café’s hip factor. Armitstead graduated from Belmont University in Nashville last May, receiving a degree in entrepreneurship. Dana and Trent are longtime entrepreneurs, as well.
Dana said, “We wanted it to be edgy, cool. We wanted it to be special, the atmosphere. People love the atmosphere in Miss Lucille’s Marketplace.”
In fact, it was the customers’ love of Miss Lucille’s Marketplace that sparked the café’s development. Dana said that customers said they would browse even longer if they didn’t have to run out to get food.
“We did it for our customers,” she said. “And to make Miss Lucille’s a destination spot.”
During the holidays, the café will begin selling casseroles to help customers lessen their cooking workload; this feature will become permanent. Also, parties of 50 people or fewer people can rent out the café for events, choosing from a list of approved caterers.
Another recent addition to the store, The Belle Hollow, is an event venue located next door to Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. It includes dressing rooms, tables and chairs, a high-end sound system and a stage. It is the brainchild of Armitstead, who guided its rustic chic look, and is geared for parties of 50 to 250 people. Guests can choose from a list of caterers, who can in turn use the kitchen in Miss Lucille’s Café.
For more information, call Miss Lucille’s Marketplace at 931-896-1700 or visit the website at www.misslucillesmarketplace.com. For information on The Belle Hollow, contact Luci Knott Armitstead at 931-919-4900 or at info@thebellehollow.com.
Chef Ross Wilson puts his unique spin on the menu at Miss Lucille’s Café.