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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Lebanon, TN
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Lebanon, TN You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Lebanon, TN
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Lebanon, TN
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Lebanon, TN that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Lebanon, TN
Goodwill holds homecoming celebration for grand opening of Lebanon store
Kelly Broderickhttps://www.newschannel5.com/news/goodwill-holds-homecoming-celebration-for-grand-opening-of-lebanon-store
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LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — Goodwill is holding a celebration on Thursday for the grand opening of the new retail store in Lebanon!
The celebration begins at 8:30 a.m.
The first 250 shoppers who attend the grand opening at the West Main Street location will receive a free reusable shopping bag! Attendees will also be able to raffle for gift cards.
The new store will be Goodwill’s first store in Lebanon since its previous location closed in 2018.
The new location is located at 1414 West Main Street and will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Amy recommends:
Snow photoshoots show joy, fun and ability
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"Forrest Sanders introduces us to a woman named Hope, who had an incredible journey from Africa to Nashville. She spent time in the snow this week making memories for others and sharing that nothing can hold you back."
-Amy Watson
Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
9 Must-Try Restaurants in Lebanon, TN: Where the Lebanon Locals Eat
Marissa Crumhttps://www.redfin.com/blog/must-try-restaurants-in-lebanon-tn/
Looking for the must-try restaurants in Lebanon, TN? Look no further than this Redfin article. From mouth-watering pizza and authentic Mexican cuisine to finger-licking BBQ and delectable Italian dishes, Lebanon has it all. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover your new favorite s...
Looking for the must-try restaurants in Lebanon, TN? Look no further than this Redfin article. From mouth-watering pizza and authentic Mexican cuisine to finger-licking BBQ and delectable Italian dishes, Lebanon has it all. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover your new favorite spot. Let’s dive into the culinary delights that Lebanon has to offer.
1. Painturo’s Pizza
Cuisine Type: Pizzeria Location: 522 W Main St Ste B, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Painturo’s Pizza
Painturo’s Pizza is a popular pizzeria offering a variety of delicious pizzas with fresh ingredients and a crispy crust. Whether you’re a fan of classic margherita or prefer unique toppings like buffalo chicken, Painturo’s Pizza has something for everyone.
Your next home is just a tap away
Access new homes anytime, anywhere with the Redfin app. Download app 2. Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant
Cuisine Type: Mexican Restaurant Location: 512 W Main St Ste B, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant
Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant is a must-visit for Mexican food lovers. From sizzling fajitas to mouth-watering enchiladas, their menu is filled with authentic Mexican dishes that will satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to try their homemade salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Whitts Barbecue
Cuisine Type: BBQ Joint Location: 401 S Cumberland St # 3905, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Whitts Barbecue
Whitts Barbecue is a beloved BBQ joint known for their tender and smoky meats. From pulled pork to ribs, their menu offers a wide range of barbecue options that will leave you wanting more. Make sure to try their signature barbecue sauce for a tangy and flavorful experience.
4. Town Square Social
Cuisine Type: Dining and Drinking Location: 145 Public Sq, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Town Square Social
Town Square Social is a vibrant dining and drinking establishment located in the heart of Lebanon. With a diverse menu featuring dishes from various cuisines, you can enjoy everything from burgers to sushi. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great place to gather with friends and family.
5. Demos’ Restaurant
Cuisine Type: Italian Restaurant Location: 130 Legends Dr, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Demos’ Restaurant
Demos’ Restaurant is a popular Italian restaurant offering a wide range of classic Italian dishes. From hearty pasta dishes to flavorful pizzas, their menu is sure to satisfy any Italian food lover. Don’t miss out on their famous garlic rolls, a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
6. Smiths Catering
Cuisine Type: Caterer Location: 104 N College St, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Smiths Catering
Smiths Catering is a trusted caterer in Lebanon, known for their exceptional food and service. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or private party, they offer a wide range of menu options to suit any occasion. From elegant hors d’oeuvres to delicious main courses, Smiths Catering will make your event memorable.
7. Belle’s Little Country Kitchen
Cuisine Type: Diner, American Restaurant Location: 210 W High St, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Belle’s Little Country Kitchen
Belle’s Little Country Kitchen is a charming diner and American restaurant. Their menu features classic comfort food dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and homemade pies. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Belle’s Little Country Kitchen feels like a home away from home.
8. El Molino
Cuisine Type: Mexican Restaurant Location: 809 S Cumberland St, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: El Molino
El Molino is a popular Mexican restaurant known for its authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere. From sizzling fajitas to flavorful tacos, their menu offers a wide range of Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to try their refreshing margaritas for the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
9. Wildberry
Cuisine Type: Café, Deli, American Restaurant Location: 120 N Greenwood St, Lebanon, TN 37087 Website: Wildberry
Wildberry is a delightful café, deli, and American restaurant. Their menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Wildberry offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.
If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Marissa is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about real estate trends and home improvement. Her dream home is a contemporary-style house with ample outdoor space.
Kerry Malone Power Games set Dec. 20 & 21 at Lebanon High
STAFF REPORTShttps://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/basketball-boys/kerry-malone-power-games-set-dec-20-21-at-lebanon-high/
Lebanon High’s Campbell Brandon Gymnasium and the adjacent LHS auxiliary gym will be the site of the Kerry Malone Power Games Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 20 and 21.The two-day event is closely aligned with the Jason Foundation and is near and dear to the heart of public address announcer extraordinaire Kerry Malone.Mr. Malone will be behind the microphone for all 14 games scheduled for Campbell Brandon Gymnasium.Some 24 games are on tap over two days, including Lebanon vs. Cannon County boys in a 2 p.m. game; Frie...
Lebanon High’s Campbell Brandon Gymnasium and the adjacent LHS auxiliary gym will be the site of the Kerry Malone Power Games Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 20 and 21.
The two-day event is closely aligned with the Jason Foundation and is near and dear to the heart of public address announcer extraordinaire Kerry Malone.
Mr. Malone will be behind the microphone for all 14 games scheduled for Campbell Brandon Gymnasium.
Some 24 games are on tap over two days, including Lebanon vs. Cannon County boys in a 2 p.m. game; Friendship Christian vs. Mae Jemision (AL) boys at 3:30 p.m. ; Mt. Juliet vs. Grissom (AL) at 6:30 p.m. and Lebanon vs. Shelbyville Central in an 8 p.m. boys contest.
On Thursday, Friendship Christian plays the Cannon County boys at 2 p.m.; Mt. Juliet plays Pearl Cohn at 5:30 p.m. and the Lebanon Devilettes take on Hewitt Trussville (AL) at 6:30 p.m.
Please scroll down for the complete schedule.
DTC Christmas Classic at GordonsvilleThree Wilson County basketball teams, including both the boys and girls from Watertown High, will participate in the DTC Communications Christmas Classic Wednesday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Dec. 22 at Gordonsville High School.
Two eight-team tournaments are planned, complete with a consolation bracket.Watertown’s Lady Tigers kick things off bright and early Wednesday with a 9 a.m. contest against Green Hill, a Class 4 state tournament semifinalist in 2023.
The winner will move on to a 4:30 p.m. game Thursday the 21st while the loser will play in the consolation bracket Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Sharing the upper bracket is Cumberland County and Nashville Christian School. The lower bracket includes East Hickman, Monterey, host Gordonsville and Whites Creek.
The girls championship game is slated for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22. The boys tournament features Smith County and Nashville Christian playing at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Also in the upper bracket is Red Boiling Springs and Cumberland County.
The lower bracket finds Shelby County’s Lakeland Preparatory School, Trousdale County, host Gordonsville and Watertown.
The Purple Tigers will take on Gordonsville in the 6:30 p.m. feature game Wednesday.
Wednesday’s winner will play either Trousdale Co. or Lakeland Prep Thursday at 7:30 p.m. while the loser plays at 1:30 p.m. Thursday against either Trousdale Co. or Lakeland.
Lebanon cafe said they were forced to move after 27 years in the business
Kendall Ashmanhttps://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/lebanon-cafe-said-they-were-forced-to-move-after-27-years-in-the-business/
LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — After 27 years in business, a beloved cafe in Lebanon said they were forced out of their location.With high rent prices and costly renovations, the owner of Cedar Street Eats, ...
LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — After 27 years in business, a beloved cafe in Lebanon said they were forced out of their location.
With high rent prices and costly renovations, the owner of Cedar Street Eats, formerly known as Frankie’s Cafe, is afraid she’ll lose her livelihood.
Christy Mofield’s mother, Frankie, has owned the cafe in Lebanon for nearly three decades.
“A very long time, yeah. I mean, it’s been our rock,” Mofield said.
However, after 27 years, Mofield said her landlord gave them six months to leave the location. “[They said] their insurance has gone up so much they just needed us to get out, that the place wasn’t meant to be a restaurant after all. After all these years we’ve been down there, they didn’t think we needed to stay.”
Mofield had no choice but to pack up everything and have a final meal with their customers at Frankie’s Cafe: “That was our life, you know. We were going to lose everything, everybody…It was just real heartbreaking.”
Promising to reopen, Mofield said finding affordable rent was challenging, adding that rent anywhere else was six times the amount she paid: “A small little mom-and-pop place, it’s hard to make it with rent like that and make a profit to stay open…It’s just like living in Nashville now.”
Not willing to give up, she said an empty building off Cedar Street fell into her lap, but it needs a ton of renovations: “We’ve got to run some water lines, some gas lines; we’ve got to [do] a lot of painting.”
It’s work that her customers are even willing to help out with so Mofield can reopen the family business.
“It has been my dream to take over when my momma retired, so I wanted to keep the dream going and her legacy going, so that’s why we’re here,” Mofield said.
In order for Mofield to re-open the cafe’s doors, they need a grease interceptor installed, which would cost $15,000. The family created a GoFundMe to help with the costly renovations.
News 2 spoke to the landlord over the phone, who said the building was in poor condition and it needed to be repaired.
After lease wasn't renewed, Lebanon family-owned restaurant starting over after 27 years
Kelsey Gibbshttps://www.newschannel5.com/news/after-lease-wasnt-renewed-lebanon-family-owned-restaurant-starting-over-after-27-years
After nearly 30 years in the same location in Lebanon, Frankie's Cafe, a family-owned restaurant tells us they were told their lease was not getting renewed. LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — After nearly 30 years in the same location in Lebanon, a family-owned restaurant tells us they were told their lease was not getting renewed.Known for its customer service and hearty meat and three meals, Frankie's Cafe has been a staple in the community, but now financial challenges loom large for the local business....
After nearly 30 years in the same location in Lebanon, Frankie's Cafe, a family-owned restaurant tells us they were told their lease was not getting renewed.
LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — After nearly 30 years in the same location in Lebanon, a family-owned restaurant tells us they were told their lease was not getting renewed.
Known for its customer service and hearty meat and three meals, Frankie's Cafe has been a staple in the community, but now financial challenges loom large for the local business.
The news came as a shock to both the owners and loyal customers.
"It was like a just big family. We knew what they wanted before they even walked through the door," said Christy Mofield, owner of Cedar Street Eats, the now-rebranded Frankie's.
Named after and operated by Mofield's mother, Frankie's Cafe had established itself as a home away from home over its 27 years.
But this all changed late last year when it was time to re-sign the lease.
"We go down there, and we're not expecting this to happen. But then he gives her the lease and says, 'I'm going to give you guys six months to find a new place or just get out,'" recounted Mofield.
Mofield says her mother begged for them to stay.
"She kept begging and begging for more time, and they just said that the insurance has gone up so high, and that they couldn't afford us to be there anymore."
Determined to keep the spirit of Frankie's alive, the family started on their search for a new location,
"We started looking and nothing was found, and everything was $6,000 a month or more. And we were only paying like $950 a month there up there," Mofield lamented.
The family was ready to give up until the community rallied behind Frankie's Cafe, now rebranded as Cedar Street Eats in its new location.
Yet, the transition hasn't been without hurdles. The need for a $15,000 grease trap threatened to derail their efforts.
"I mean, we had a little bit of money going in, you know, to do these things. But when we got here with that $15,000, we just thought it was hopeless," Mofield said.
However, with the generosity of community donations and assistance from the building owner, Mofield and her family are determined to persevere.
Frankie's Cafe, now Cedar Street Eats, is actively seeking support to cover expenses through donation boxes placed at strategic locations in Lebanon, including the Shell Gas station at 1324 W. Main St. and Gondolas at 625 S Cumberland St.
Also, a GoFundMeaccount has been set up to aid in renovation costs.
Rhori recommends:
“One of the great things about working at NewsChannel 5 is learning about the remarkable history of the station itself. The names: Bob Lobertini…Chris Clark…Hope Hines…and, of course, Oprah. The newscasts, of course. But also: Night Train…Hee Haw…and TALK OF THE TOWN, which is now one of the longest-running locally produced talk shows in the country marking 40 years on the air. Our storyteller-in-chief Forrest Sanders offers this entertaining and nostalgic look back at the popular program we here refer to as…simply…‘TOTT’. Enjoy!”
-Rhori Johnston
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