MOUNT VERNON — Bonnie Cafe in Mount Vernon will be closed for a few weeks starting the evening of July 4 for a major renovation project.
The popular local restaurant is in its fourth year of operations inside Mount Vernon Outland Airport. Bonnie Cafe also has locations in Bonnie, Centralia, Nashville, West Frankfort, and a site in Missouri.
Brian Hubbard, manager of Bonnie Cafe, said renovations have already been completed at the Centralia and Bonnie locations and they worked out very well. After the renovations at the Mount Vernon site, customers should be quite impressed with the results as there will be a number of new additions at the local eatery, Hubbard said.
"There will be new buffets, new salad bar, dessert bar, tables, chairs, outdoor seating, and an ice cream machine," Hubbard said. "It'll be a little bigger. We're expecting to get more seating in there. ... I think it's going to look beautiful."
Hubbard said the prior renovation at the Bonnie site was a "complete transformation" and he is expecting something similar for the Mount Vernon restaurant.
"Mount Vernon is going to be the same thing," Hubbard said, referencing the transformation.
The Mount Vernon Bonnie Cafe will close starting when the restaurant closes down on July 4 for the Salute to Freedom fireworks display that evening. It's unclear exactly how long the renovation project will take but Hubbard said it should hopefully be a few weeks at the maximum.
According to the Enjoy Mt. Vernon website, Bonnie Cafe is a family owned and operated restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day long. In addition to a variety of menu items, the restaurant also features a daily buffet with changing entrees and sides.
Mount Vernon Airport Director Chris Collins remarked Friday on the importance of Bonnie Cafe to the airport.
"Bonnie Cafe has been one of the best partners the airport has ever had," Collins said. "And it's a great example of public and private working together for the good of the community. We look forward to many more years of service."
For more information on the restaurant or the renovation project, contact Bonnie Cafe at (618) 242-4070.
