Ron Cornett & Corner Cafe & Family

I got to know Ron Cornett when he was at Ancestors, now Hill's Auto. He gave my sister, Sally, a songwriter and performer, the opportunity to do acoustic sets once every week for a year. (That in itself says a lot about Ron thinking outside the box.) A food critic gave high praise to Ancestors which helped promote their business. I got to know Ron even better when doing an article a year ago for “HSJ Online.” He was hoping to soon retire from the restaurant business after 44 years, 38 of them in Hope through the Hope Heritage House, Ancestors, and Corner Cafe, and planned on enjoying his dogs, Ike and Tina while focusing more on his Yorkie business. I am not sure of how Ron's journey brought him from Hazard, Kentucky, not too far from the original homes of my parents, Frankfort and Buckhorn, to Hope, but I am sure glad it did, like many others. As all in the Hope community, I was shocked to hear of his sudden death. Ron was a superb chef and a jolly one. He always made the day better for his customers with his upbeat personality and smile, no matter the time of the day.

Undoubtedly, Ron could have been a master chef at the finest restaurant with exquisite food and distinguished guests. Early in his career, he had a position helping restaurants improve, and Mark vividly remembers one trip to Chicago. Ron was a chef in several restaurants in Columbus, including the Left Bank. But Ron chose to make Hope his home and the little restaurant on the corner a place where people could buy a wonderful breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts at a reasonable price even with the inflation pressures in the food industry. (I'm craving a pineapple shake as I write this tribute!)

It wasn't about becoming a well-known chef; it was about Hope being home and family; it was about serving family; it was about working with family, his son, Mark, and his granddaughter, Lillie; it was about working with friends; it was about mentoring others in their pursuit of a career in the business. Ron put in lots of hours, starting early in the morning. How many hours did he devote to special community celebrations: birthdays, sporting events, graduations, weddings, retirements, funerals, …? Lots! How many times did he offer food at a discount or just give it to someone in need? Lots!

When a regular customer would die, I would have a conversation with Ron. He would shake his head while talking about that individual and how he just couldn't believe they would no longer be coming to the Corner Cafe again. Ron did get to know his customers even while being quite busy preparing and serving. I found myself shaking my head when informed of his death. Due to my position with “HSJ Online,” I am aware of the large number of people who have viewed his obituary. Norman Funeral Home was packed with people paying final respects. Their website guestbook has many wonderful tributes. In Corner Cafe, there is a sign that HSJ presented to Ron for being one of the first businesses to sponsor an advertisement with us, “OUTLIVE LIFE.” Later, like several Hope businesses, he gladly sponsored the HSJ Hope Run/Walk. Ron certainly outlived his earthly life through serving others!

What will happen with Corner Cafe? We all know that Mark chose to keep Corner Cafe open after the death of his dad. Mark felt it important for several reasons, one being an appropriate way to honor his dad, one of his best friends. They worked side-by-side for years! I am pleased to share that Mark has removed the “For Sale” signs and plans on continuing the legacy of the Corner Cafe. Time after time at Norman Funeral Home, Mark heard what the Corner Cafe meant to our community. The Hope family secured a special place in Ron's heart and in Mark's heart. Mark just kept on stressing “family” as we talked and his appreciation for the outpouring of love during this difficult period. As a line states within one of Sally's songs, "Family Ties," “The family ties that bind us keep us strong.”

The Hope family wishes the Cornett family the very best and wishes to express our appreciation to Ron for serving us day after day for many years. And we look forward to the future of the Corner Cafe!