Historic Hammel House restaurant, bed and breakfast back in business
A nearly WAYNESVILLE — 200-year-old fixture in Waynesville has come back to life after going dormant two years ago.
The Hammel House Inn, located at 121 S. Main St., in Waynesville, held its grand opening on Sept. 11 with new owners, a fresh look and a new-ish menu.
When the HammelHouse closed two years ago for renovations, the former owner decided itwas time to retire after operating the inn since the late ’80s. The restaurant and bed and breakfast establishment was purchased by K&D Properties and partially renovated before being leased to the newowners of The Hammel House, husband and wife of 21 years, Floyd and Cheri Douglas, and Cheri’s brother, James Lester.
“It’sbeena lot ofsweatand tears, butweareopen,” Cheri Douglas said. “My brother movedfromMichiganinMay. He was talking to everyone aboutemploymentandstuff, andIwaslike,‘Youknow, you
really needtofindsomething that you really enjoy doing because you spend 90% of your life doing it.’ ”
Ithasbeenalifelongdream of Floyd’s to own his own restaurant, and both Floyd and James have always loved cookingandpresenting food.
When the triowas offered an opportunity to take over The Hammel House, they decided they were all-in.
“We tried to keep it as historic as we possibly could because it’s just a big deal,”
Douglas said.
Newbathrooms and floors have been installed, however, much of the original structure is still visible, with a brick façade exposing the original build.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. andis closedMondays. Some original items from the old Hammel House restaurant are still on themenu, though with new touches from its new owners.
The very first overnight guest at the Hammel House bed and breakfast checkedoutFriday morning. Waynesville residents and visitors have been anticipating the inn’s reopening since it first closed two years ago.
“They’re thrilled that it’s back open,” Douglas said. “They love our front porch, love to eat out there. (It’s a) huge, across the building porch where patrons can enjoy lunch or whatever.”
Beforemoving to the Dayton area about seven years ago, the Douglaseswere livingandworking in Nebraska. Cheri and James grew up in Michigan.
“Bothofmyparentspassed in 2017,” Douglas said. “So I was here, my brother was in Michigan, and I finally convinced him to come thisway so he did. And he loves it. So it’s probably one of the best decisions he made.”
TheHammelHouse Inn is nowtaking reservations and is open for people dining in.