SERVING IT UP FRESH | The Combine Cafe - Reynolds Farm Equipment

The Café Origins

When we set out to build our corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Indiana, owner Gary Reynolds knew that along with striving to continue to grow the business, that he was also going to accomplish something that he had wanted to do for years; own a restaurant, and one that would serve large portions. This would be for those both dining in as well as carry-out orders.

“If it’s planting or harvest season, a farmer has minimal time to spend in our dealership; downtime,” says Reynolds. “So when a customer stops into the dealership to pick up parts at the parts counter, I want them to be able to walk over to the café, order a sandwich to go, and it’s going to be a large sandwich with sides, which they can take with them and eat it on the go. It’ll fill you up.”

Combine Cafe: From Breakfast to Desserts

As with any new business sector, it takes time to hone it, and rework it, until you get it right. The café, the first of its kind located inside any John Deere dealership in North America, prides itself on breakfast and lunch meals. Along with a specialized menu, the real excitement comes with the two weekly lunch specials that Chef Jon Hollingsworth offers on his menu board, and it’s not limited to just sandwiches.

“Some weeks, it’s chicken ‘n noodles with mashed potatoes and green beans, and maybe a meatball sandwich with seasoned fries for the other,” says Hollingsworth.

And he’s not the only Hollingsworth with skills in the kitchen. At any time on any given day, you’ll see Michelle Hollingsworth baking up the latest home-baked dessert, whether it’s cookies, lemon bars and cheesecake to name a few. (Note: Her homemade Peanut Butter-Butterfinger® cookies are nearly a legal drug in its self, and of course, my personal favorite.)