Hub boasts sophisticated atmosphere

By Gus Bode

Imagine stepping into a corner cafe where Carbondale’s history is pictured on the walls, and country-style accents are combined with the sophistication of a big-city restaurant.

The newly opened Hub Cafe, located at 100 S. Illinois Ave., with its spaciousness and natural lighting from the picture windows, is a comfortable environment for a power lunch or a social cup of coffee.

The history of the building and ties to the old Hub restaurant are elements Alvin Claude, owner of the restaurant, hopes will bring old Hub customers back. The old Hub restaurant operated in Carbondale in the 1970s.

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It’s some place for people who used to come here to come on back [to], he said.

The building itself is more than 100 years old, and recent renovation has restored the building to its original appearance, Joyce Vinson, building owner and Hub spokeswoman, said. The most recent restaurant in the building was The Metropolitan, which closed down in the spring.

This is a place for history-minded people, she said. We want to bring alive the old Hub and highlight Carbondale’s past.

We like to think of the restaurant as having a sophisticated country atmosphere. We’ve blended modern decorations like beveled glass and brass fixtures with twig and birdhouse wall hangings.

When first walking into the restaurant, which opened Oct. 21, customers are greeted by a small wall that eventually will display old photos of Carbondale, some of which already hang on the walls.

We want to use the wall as a reminder of Carbondale’s past, and we’d like to find a large portrait of Daniel H. Brush (considered a father of Carbondale) to hang there, Vinson said. If we can’t get a photo, it will be used as a scrapbook wall’ with pictures of people and occurrences here from the 1800s through the 1940s.

In addition, we’ll also have an Avenue Wall’ with historical pictures of buildings and townspeople along Illinois Avenue.

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The Hub does not stop at the ground floor. Vinson said the huge upstairs area can be reserved for banquets, receptions and will be used for overflow dining.

The upstairs is really homey, with the bay windows overlooking the Avenue and the train depot, she said. I understand it is the spot’ for watching the Lights Fantastic Parade.

The downtown is coming alive, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.

Vinson emphasized that the historical and aesthetic appeal of The Hub is not the only difference between it and other restaurants. The menu is the crux of the establishment, she said.

We have a grilled barbecue chicken breast sandwich, which is cooked with our own barbecue sauce,” she said. “It’s a really popular sandwich.

We take a lot of pride in our salads. The Garden Basket Deluxe and the Chef’s salad are definitely a meal. They’re not just some small side salad.

The Hub also has daily specials priced at $4.25. Such a lunch can be prepared faster, Vinson said, and is ideal for voracious lunchgoers in a time crunch.

The customers don’t have to sit around being hungry, she said. We’re really geared toward convenience and price.

Vinson said economic pricing should appeal to everyone from students to business people.

In addition, The Hub’s menu offers deli sandwiches, a chef’s choice daily deli salad, soups and daily dessert selections.

The French onion soup is particularly noteworthy, Michael Collard, former restaurant critic/consultant and SIUC alumnus, said.

The French onion soup is the best in Carbondale, he said. This looks promising for a peaceful place to have a quiet social lunch.

Vinson said groups like women’s auxiliaries, breakfast clubs and bridge clubs as well as any other groups, are welcome.

Even though we don’t serve breakfast, it may be possible to serve a continental breakfast here, she said.

Hometown pride and competitive pricing in a time when the city is experiencing a resurgence in interest of Carbondale’s glory days could again make The Hub Cafe a lasting establishment, Vinson said.

The concept we’re trying to get across, our pricing, and our timing can make this place a success,” she said.

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