ERIN EDGEMON, Business Editor
Posted: Sunday, July 20, 2008 9:00 am

Terry Confer and Chris Hendley are feverously working to breathe new life into a Murfreesboro icon.

They are the new owners of Front Porch Café and Catering located in a more than 100-year-old antebellum-style home off the Public Square. The restaurant at 114 E. College St. has been open since 1990.

“It has a reputation we felt we could continue to build and enhance,” Hendley said, adding that both he and Confer are excited about being a part of the downtown Murfreesboro community.

But, they say the restaurant’s menu is virtually staying the same. Customers will be able to find their favorites such as the Magnolia Delight, chicken crepes, Cajun chicken and Monte Cristo.

Fresh locally grown produce is being used in the recipes, Hendley said.

Front Porch’s beloved desserts such as the Snicker bar, red velvet, Italian crème and strawberry amaretto cakes also will still be available.

Major cosmetic renovations, however, to give the restaurant some “sparkle and shine” are under way, they said. The restaurant will remain open throughout the process, which will include painting each room and replacing the flooring and light fixtures.

In all of the work, Confer and Hendley said they will try to retain the integrity of the home owned by Wright Properties.

The owners have already groomed the landscaping and hope to have a new sign installed soon.

They say Front Porch’s dedicated staff has made the transition possible for them.

Confer, a Rutherford County native, and Hendley say they are cutting their teeth in the restaurant industry with the purchase of The Front Porch. The sale from former owners, Tom and Angie Davis, was finalized July 9.

“We have never done it before,” Hendley said.

Owning a restaurant, however, has been a lifelong dream for both.

Hendley developed a love for cooking as a child, and gained a reputation in college for being able to go into a kitchen containing little ingredients and come out with a meal.

Confer has worked in the airplane industry for 20 years in in-flight services and management for Delta and U.S. Airways.

Hendley is a former professor of music working most recently at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Co. and Georgia College for 16 years.

Down the road, the owners hope to begin offering dinner theater including murder mysteries and a Madrigal dinner, which would involve the reenactment of a 16th or 18th century dinner party complete with traditional foods and music.

Long-term goals include adding a Sunday brunch and opening a coffee shop and bakery next door in less than two years.

“We have the space for it,” Hendley said. “We just have to put in a little elbow grease.”

The Front Porch will still be open for holidays including Easter Sunday, Mother’s Days and Thanksgiving Day.

Private rooms are available for parties, wedding rehearsal dinners and other special occasions.

Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.

Front Porch Café & Catering
114 E. College St.
896-6771

Hours of Operation
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Friday 5 p.m.-8 p.m. for a buffet