Our Story – The History of Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern

Over Three Decades of Great Food, Family, and Mountain Hospitality

Nestled in the heart of downtown Banner Elk, North Carolina, Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern has grown from a beloved neighborhood café into one of the High Country’s most recognized dining and entertainment destinations. The story began around 1991, when Les and Cindy Broussard embarked on a journey to create something special for the Banner Elk community. What started as a dream of serving delicious food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere gradually became a gathering place for generations of local families, visitors, and travelers exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for hospitality, the Broussards helped build a restaurant that would become part of the character and charm of downtown Banner Elk.

From a Neighborhood Café to a High Country Dining Destination

As Banner Elk grew into a popular mountain vacation destination, so did the Café. Over the years, Les and Cindy continued investing in their business, expanding their dining spaces, developing new menus, and creating unique experiences for their guests. The original Café became known for its hearty breakfasts, delicious lunches, homemade favorites, specialty coffees, and friendly mountain hospitality. The addition of The Lodge, a separate dining area featuring pizza, Italian specialties, pasta, seafood, and dinner favorites, brought another dimension to the restaurant. With inviting indoor dining areas, outdoor patios, and an extensive selection of food and beverages, Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern evolved into a destination where guests could enjoy something different with every visit.

A New Chapter – The Tavern Opens in 2018

One of the most significant milestones in the restaurant’s history came in May 2018, when Les and Cindy celebrated the grand opening of the Tavern, an expansion that brought new energy and entertainment to downtown Banner Elk. After acquiring additional property along Shawneehaw Avenue and completing an ambitious renovation and expansion, the Broussards introduced a lively gathering place featuring a full bar, craft beers, cocktails, tavern favorites, and live music. The Tavern created another welcoming space where locals and visitors could gather with friends, enjoy an evening out, and experience the nightlife of the North Carolina High Country. The grand opening represented more than a new addition to the restaurant—it celebrated decades of dedication, community relationships, and the realization of a dream that had begun nearly three decades earlier.

A Banner Elk Tradition That Continues Today

Today, more than three decades after its beginnings, Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern continues to be a cherished part of the Banner Elk community. From early morning breakfasts and freshly brewed coffee to family dinners, outdoor patio dining, cocktails, and evenings filled with live music, the restaurant offers something for nearly every occasion. Located just minutes from Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, it welcomes skiers, hikers, motorcycle enthusiasts, vacationing families, and longtime locals throughout the year. What makes Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern special is more than its diverse menus and inviting atmosphere—it is the history, the people, the friendships, and the generations of memories created around its tables. The vision and dedication of Les and Cindy Broussard helped establish a lasting Banner Elk tradition, where great food, good company, and genuine mountain hospitality continue to bring people together.

Come hungry, stay awhile, and become part of the story at Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern.