Mine just happens to occur on one of the most
beautiful farms in the Sequatchie Valley. It all started in 2001, when my dad, Jimmy Johnson, decided to sell
the farm. My sisters and I didn't want to let our farm go. After all, parts
of it had been in our family for around 150 years. Debra Johnson, our
mom, decided to help us brainstorm into various ways to save our family
farm. At first, Peggy Farl
ey, Bonnie Hudson, and I decided that we were
going to focus on agri-tourisim and field trips with the area schools. All we would need would be a snack shop that sold refreshments. Little
did we know that our small snack shop dream would turn into a full
operational restaurant. She was known for her famous country lunches all throughout
the Valley. The more we planned the more we wanted to incorporate her recipes into our dreams. It
was a way to honor her along with our family history by passing on the comfort food that our family has
always enjoyed. In September of 2002 we did just that. We opened the Cookie Jar Café and were able to share our love
and appreciation of food with others. Several years after opening, Peggy Farley, Bonnie Hudson, and Debra
Johnson all decided to return to their original jobs. That left me, Sue Ann, running the show. The Cookie Jar, is furnished with a collection that Bonnie Hudson started more than 20 years ago. Many
customers have brought us jars to add along the way. It's always great to hear the stories of customers who
see a jar similar to one they have or one from their past. It's our goal to make everything we possibly can
inside the Cookie Jar from scratch. We make all our own desserts, all the way down to the pie crusts. When
fresh veggies are in season locally, we like to add them to our original menu! It's an added joy to be able to
serve fresh and homemade foods to our visitors. Outside the restaurant, we have a small petting zoo. We keep a few farm animals so you and your family
can get a taste of farm life. There's also lots of play equipment for the children of all ages to enjoy. Taking a
walk around the track can remind you of your childhood, or let you experience new sights and sounds. This has been an amazing journey for our family. It has been my pleasure to serve my community and
the surrounding areas. God has truly blessed my family and I with providing us with the wonderful
opportunity to share our love of some of life's simple
joys. Whether it's rocking on the front porch, or
eating a piece of coconut pie after your meal, I can't
wait to hear about your favorite memory of the
Cookie Jar. We hope you enjoy your visit with
us today and we look forward to seeing you again!
