07/15/2025
It's time we talked about Greenhorn.
You may have heard there's a baby on the way, or you may have seen the post about Jonah's new job. You may have asked, "how will they do this with a baby on the way?" That's a good question.
With unyielding support from the town and our families, we grew from just serving lunches on Saturdays back in 2019 to being a destination restaurant. Hosting major events in Bluffton's downtown, we reimagined spaces to be used for community gatherings, and sought to bring more life to Bluffton. We provided food, drinks, and service to the Blaze of Lights, Bluffton's Chamber of Commerce breakfasts and After Hours, Ride to Remember, Porch Fest, and our own Block Party to name a few. We've hosted incredible speakers, artists, and performers in a diverse array of events. We have patronized innumerable local vegetable growers and featured their produce in farm-to-table dishes, celebrating the hard work and importance of farming and market gardening. Our wine classes, cooking classes, and team-building exercises have provided entertainment and knowledge to countless Greenhorn patrons. We've educated and employed many Bluffton University students, and provided internships and course credits for their experience. Our Ambassadors have put their stake in us to continue our mission to serve our community. In short, we've done everything we ever sought to do...and more...and more...and more.
It would be impossible to put into words the joy and love we feel for having been able to have this experience. Jonah and Nancy have been blessed with incredible partners throughout this journey, including: Bob Bell, Ryan and Kitty McCullough, and Bob and Liz Gordon-Hancock. Our families and friends have provided everything else you see (Jane's cookies, for starters). We truly are an organic restaurant. What was organic and natural was the love and work our friends and family put in to make our space beautiful. Our friends and family scrubbed our ovens prior to opening, provided plants for our dining room (and watered them weekly), traded us for produce, and gave us herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. They made dioramas and miniature vignettes, which provided whimsy and magic. Our patrons gave generous gifts to our staff for holidays and birthdays, and celebrated us as friends.
We want to thank our staff, who are like family to us (or actually are our family), for being an integral part of this journey - you are beyond amazing. With your individual touches, you created an atmosphere our guests loved, constantly tailoring it to their tastes. You are the eyes, ears, hands, and mouth of Greenhorn. Thank you for your commitment and the joy we shared together.
What started as a crazy idea between a handful of people grew into something we never thought possible. Greenhorn survived in its infancy one of the worst economic times in recent history, and stood as a testament to the love and dedication of people who believe in good food for all. That is why it is with great sadness to announce that Greenhorn will no longer be serving lunch and dinner after August 2, 2025. Our regular service will begin again July 16th, and end officially on August 2nd inclusive. We will continue to have events occasionally throughout the summer, including a fundraiser for Bluffton's Soccer Club on August 9th. Gift cards may be used for any and all Greenhorn events, so make your reservation or catch us at one of our street parties. You may also inquire about renting our space for parties and events for the time being (Call Liz for price and availability: 419-581-1289).
Is this the end of Greenhorn? Not necessarily. We've always believed in our mission, and maybe that continues in another configuration or in some other space. For now, our personal lives have to take center stage.
What's next? We are exploring opportunities for another restaurant in our space, with amazing food while providing a more universal cuisine. Stay tuned for details to come.
Let's have a great last three weeks together, what do you say? We'll try and keep it together. 🥰😭🥺 Thanks to everyone who believed in us (especially you, Mom ♥️ ).
Love ALWAYS,
Jonah & Nancy and Liz & Bob
