Introducing Lem's Cafe

Learn how an African-American banjo player from the 1940s and 50s influenced a new cafe in My Old Kentucky Home.

The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at St. Monica’s Church took place last weekend with the theme, “The Echoes of Our Ancestors.” Fitting with the theme, I thought it suitable to introduce the inspiration behind Lem's Cafe, especially since it's named after my ancestor—my great-grandfather, Lem Reed.

"Uncle Lem," known by tousits, was an African-American, self-taught musician who greeted guests with the acoustics of his banjo at My Old Kentucky Home State Park in the 1940s and ’50s. Inducted into the Nelson County, Kentucky Hall of Fame in 1999, he has been featured in postcards, memorabilia, books, and dissertations, and is a staple to many in the community.

My great-grandmother and Lem’s wife, Annie Mitchell Reed, worked as a nanny for the Hurst family in Bardstown and survived the largest train wreck in Kentucky’s history. After surviving the crash, she and Lem had five more children—including my grandfather, the late Joseph Reed. If Annie had not survived the wreck, my family and I wouldn’t be here today.

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In May 2023, my husband and I completed our respected graduate programs and celebrated with a three-week trip to France (Belgium by mistake—a story for another day), Germany, and The Netherlands. Upon our return to the States, I tried to continue life as normal, but something was apparent. I was unhappy. And that unhappiness affected my creativity, my ability to socialize, and my ability to be present. With the support of my husband and mentor, I left my senior marketing position to take a professional sabbatical.

During my sabbatical, I learned that when you take the time to sit, in a safe space, without distractions, and with the intent to learn, heal, and listen… oh boy, you will! And after the oh-shits moments and everything in between, you will find something inside of you—your true self. And for me, that manifests as Lem’s Cafe.

Early this year I asked myself, “What makes me happy?” I listed: 

• I am happy when I am with my family and friends.
• I am happy when I am creating.
• I am happy at coffee shops.
• I am happy when solving problems. 

And if those things are true, and I just graduated with a Master's in Business, why don’t I start a coffee shop? After a lot of research, reviewing notes, networking, and draft after draft of a business plan, everything fell into place.

June 15, 2024, marked the official “soft launch” of Lem’s Cafe. I approached this opportunity with the mindset of introducing myself to the public, testing the menu, making adjustments, and learning while connecting with everyone attending the celebration. It also served as an opportunity to share how Lem’s Cafe came to be. For that, I am grateful! 

Our history, your history, and untold histories are deeply embedded into the foundation of Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky, and the United States. Our stories move people. They impact generations. They create opportunities. As Bardstown’s tourism industry continues to grow and visitors learn about the history of bourbon and My Old Kentucky Home, Lem’s Cafe will serve as a place to hear another piece of history. A place where people can build community, share their stories, and visit with locals and those around the world—while enjoying a really good cup of coffee!

Lem's Cafe believes that coffee, community, and creation are a triple force for good. Coffee brings people together, starts the day, and vessels peace. Community is essential for the development of humans. Both local and visiting communities will find a safe and welcoming environment when interacting with our cafe. When peace and support of the community are accessible, people have the opportunity to create the world they wish to live in.

Thank you for being a part of the journey! 

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