Greg Cornelison
Greg Cornelison, who has long operated a popular restaurant on Highway 27 at Chickamauga, Ga., has expanded to Lookout Mountain. The new venture is near the entrance to Cloudland Canyon State Park.
The restaurant veteran has taken over operation at the former Geneva's Restaurant at the top of the highway between Trenton and LaFayette.
It was long operated as Geneva's, but in July 2018 was taken over by Perry Voclain, Stan Carnahan and Michael Smelcher. The longtime operators of the Chattanooga Auction Company made a number of improvements, including adding a spacious rear open-air dining area.
The three partners have now turned their attention to the development of a new Dollar General nearby as well as an ante-bellum style house that will be available for events and lodging. That development is across from Canyon Grill.
Mr. Cornelison at one time had restaurants in LaFayette, but most recently was concentrating on the successful Chickamauga location.
But he said he has long eyed taking over the Geneva's spot. He recently leased it from the three partners.
Mr. Cornelison said he and wife Kim would keep a few of the menu items, but bring in many of their tried-and-true specialties, including biscuits and gravy and delicious desserts
The Cafe 136 (on Highway 136) will be open much more regularly than the previous versions. Hours (subject to change) will be 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday serving breakfast until 11 a.m. and then lunch. It will be open three meals a day on Wednesday-Sunday. Hours will be 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The place was packed for the first Sunday of Cafe 136.
Among the diners - enjoying being able to sit back and relax rather than cooking and serving - were Perry, Stan and Michael.