Cummare's is your go-to dining destination, offering exceptional cuisine and a warm ambiance
Cummare’s has flourished in Murphysboro, Illinois serving as more than just an Italian restaurant—it’s a dynamic community gathering place rooted in tradition and evolving with a bold, personal vision. When owner Katy Cannell took over in 2020, she stepped into a well-loved legacy at a moment of global uncertainty. Her transition back to Southern Illinois was both professional and personal, shaped by family memories of her father’s restaurants in Carbondale. With this foundation, Katy embraced the challenge of honoring Cummare’s story while guiding it into a new chapter of relevance.
Though the restaurant’s core had been established, Katy brought fresh energy by introducing cocktails and a bar menu, reworking dishes to enhance freshness with made-to-order preparation, and adding new pasta and sauces to the mix. She understood that what makes Cummare’s special isn’t just the food—it’s the relationships built across tables and the sense of identity tied to Jackson County. Her creative twists on weekly specials often fuse Italian with global flavors, drawing in regulars and newcomers alike with playful innovation.
Support from the community has been central to the restaurant’s resilience and evolution. In a town where businesses aren’t crowded out by oversaturation, positive word-of-mouth and active social media engagement carry real weight. Local customers have shown their appreciation in touching ways—from gifting fresh herbs to fixing the neon sign—evidence of how deeply Cummare’s is cherished. Katy’s experience highlights how Murphysboro fosters a close-knit business environment where entrepreneurs can thrive by offering something distinct and heartfelt.
That same atmosphere creates fertile ground for others to build their own ventures. Unlike larger cities where competition can dilute visibility, towns like Murphysboro and Carbondale present unique opportunities to stand out. There’s room to tap into unmet needs and experiment with ideas that reflect personal passions or community trends. Katy’s success proves that with authenticity and innovation, there’s space to build not only a customer base, but a meaningful connection to place.
Beyond the dining room, Katy envisions expanding into catering and events—diversifying the business while deepening its role in town life. She would also like to renovate the upstairs of Cummare’s historic downtown building into a charming short-term rental, further bridging hospitality and heritage. This blend of entrepreneurship and local pride paints a compelling portrait of what’s possible when business owners are deeply attuned to their community’s rhythm.
Cummare’s isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving by staying true to its identity and inviting new ideas. For those considering a venture in Jackson County IL, its story serves as a beacon of what’s achievable: thoughtful growth, genuine connection, and the chance to contribute something memorable to a town that embraces originality.
