Clermont Welcomes Hot Rod Cafe


(posted Nov 21)


Nikki Jayne's Hot Rod Cafe is Clermont's newest business, offering free wireless internet service along with gourmet coffee, pastries, signature sandwiches and specialty cakes. The 9225 Crawfordsville Road location, which opened on November 15, even has drive-thru service.

Jayne's decision to open the business was the result of her job hunting experiences over the last few months. A 2007 college graduate, Jayne described the job search as "difficult", only to be dissatisfied with the job she found. "I lasted one day," she said. Jayne decided she needed to take charge of her own life and decided to pull her dream of opening a coffee shop off the back burner and  make it a reality.
click on photo to expand

Nikki Jayne and Kendall Lockwood, "diehard best friends", teamed up to open the Hot Rod Cafe.

Photo by Linda Karn


Jayne credited her best friend Kendall Lockwood for her three months of volunteering to help open the store. Kendall is now a paid member of the team serving customers. Jayne said Kendall's sister designed the outdoor sign. She wanted a sign that is girlish but also lets men know they are just as welcome by adding racing decor to the interior. It was easy for Jayne to adopt a racing theme since her boyfriend is involved with Don Schumacher racing.

"I made the sandwiches with love," Lockwood said to customer Linda Stillings while serving her. Stillings has become a loyal customer in the last week. Stillings indicated she is in twice a day since she operates the Huff and Fluff Laundry across the street.

Jayne's signature sandwiches came from the assistance of her boyfriend's mother. She teaches cooking classes in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and was able to provide some unique tips and ideas. Many of the sandwiches are grilled, including the basic BLT and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Locals Evelyn Coryell, Vikki and Whitney Kramer stopped in for their first time.

"It looked like an attractive place, I thought I would give it a try," Coryell said. Coryell explained she invited her daughter and granddaughter to join her.

Vikki said "The chicken salad is wonderful."

Jayne also shared her intentions to have outdoor seating next year, news that delighted the women who like to eat outdoors. Coryell explained "This is the type of restaurant Clermont needed".

The Hot Rod Cafe is open 6 am to 3 pm Monday - Friday and 8 am to 3 pm weekends.