By Amy Howe
Nestled in the heart of Fort Scott’s historic downtown, Cohn’s Café is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a testament to community spirit, historic preservation and local craftsmanship. Owners Tracy and Kathy Dancer saw an opportunity to breathe new life into a long-vacant space and, in doing so, created a gathering place that honors the past while celebrating the present.
A Vision for Revitalization
For eight years, the Scottish Rite Temple building sat unused, an unfortunate loss for the downtown area. When the Dancers had the chance to purchase it at auction in 2022, they didn’t hesitate.
“We felt it would be an excellent opportunity to once again make it an asset to the historic downtown and the community,” Tracy said.
The grand space allowed them to develop multiple businesses, starting with the Mercantile and Market—a unique collection of locally sourced goods and Kansas-made products. Soon after, the idea of opening a café took shape.
“Fort Scott has plenty of great restaurants, but we hadn’t had a café in many years,” Tracy explained. “It was something our downtown and community were missing.”
With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Cohn’s Café offers a menu of handcrafted sandwiches, soups, crepes, quiches and desserts. It quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors.
Honoring the Past
The café’s name is a nod to the past.
“The Scottish Rite Temple originally opened in 1926, and from then until about 1950, Sydney andNellieCohnoperatedCohn’sCoffeeonthe ground floor,” Kathy shared. “We felt it was the perfect way to honor the history of the space.”
Beyond the café, the couple restored another part of the building to create The Green Lantern Speakeasy. This stylish lounge, housed in the original theater lobby on the second floor, provides a unique atmosphere where guests can enjoy cocktails crafted with Kansas- made spirits, beers and wines.
The name itself is another tribute to Fort Scott’s history.
“There was a speakeasy in Fort Scott back in the 1920s called The Green Lantern,” Tracy noted. “We thought it was fitting to bring that name back to life.”
Restoring a Landmark
The restoration process was no small feat. The Dancers spent years reviving the space, tackling everything from outdated electrical systems to extensive moisture damage.
“We spent months cleaning and sealing all surfaces, dehumidifying and restoring utilities,” Tracy said. “We also replaced ceilings, updated HVAC and restored the original terrazzo floors.”
One of the most significant improvements was bringing back the building’s original storefronts along Main Street.
“The original storefronts were removed in the early 1950s and blocked up. Restoring them really opened the space, brought in natural light and allowed people to see inside,” Tracy explained.
Locally Sourced, Quality Ingredients
Cohn’s Café is committed to supporting local producers, sourcing beef, pork, eggs and honey from area farms.
“We also use the farmers market for seasonal ingredients, like the pecans in our Buttermilk Pecan Pie,” Kathy said. “For items we can’t source locally, we prioritize Kansas-made products, like our flour from Hudson Cream Flour Company and cheese from Alma Creamery.”
Every new menu item is created with these partners in mind.
“We develop recipes based on what our local producers can supply,” Kathy explained. “It’s important to us that we’re not just serving great food but also supporting local businesses.”
A Unique Experience
Cohn’s Café isn’t just about food—it’s about the experience. Stepping inside is like taking a step back in time.
“We want people to enjoy the historic atmosphere, complete with music from the Roaring Twenties,” Tracy said. “It’s about more than just eating—it’s about enjoying a moment in time.”
That same philosophy carries over to the Mercantile and Market, where customers can browse handcrafted items and specialty foods, most of which come from Kansas makers.
“We take pride in knowing where our products come from and who is making them,” Kathy added.
Challenges and Triumphs
Operating within a historic building comes with its own set of challenges.
“We knew it would be a long-term commitment,” Tracy said. “Everything takes twice as long as expected, but our customers have been incredibly patient and supportive as we continue to update and improve the space.”
One of the biggest logistical challenges has been maximizing the building’s vast space.
“The building itself is seven stories tall, but functionally, we only use two stories,” Tracy explained. “It’s a balancing act maintaining such a large space while keeping utilities and costs under control.”
Looking to the Future
While the café and speakeasy are thriving, the Dancers aren’t finished yet.
“The distillery is our biggest project for the year,” Tracy shared. “We’ll be manufacturing vodka, whiskey and bourbon—the first legally made bourbon in Bourbon County, Kansas.”
At press time, the still was set to be installed in April, with production beginning in May.
“We’ll be offering tastings, not just of our spirits but also of other Kansas-made spirits and beers,” Kathy said.
Meanwhile, the café continues to expand its offerings, with Friday and Saturday dinner service featuring a rotating menu based on locally available ingredients.
“Our dinner menu is completely different from our breakfast and lunch offerings,” Tracy said. “As we move into spring and summer, we’ll be updating it every couple of weeks to keep things fresh and seasonal.”
Community Engagement
Beyond serving great food and drinks, Cohn’s Café is committed to creating memorable experiences for the community.
“We host murder mystery dinners each fall, which have been a big hit,” Kathy said. “It’s just another way we try to offer something unique.”
Their commitment to Fort Scott goes beyond business.
“This town has always been home for us,” Tracy said. “Restoring this building and creating these businesses is our way of giving back. We’re proud to be a part of this community’s history and future.”
Plan Your Visit
Cohn’s Café is open Wednesday through Saturday for breakfast, brunch and lunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner and cocktail service is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Our weekly menu is always posted on our Facebook page, Cohn’s Café on Main,” Kathy shared.
Whether you’re stopping in for a fresh, locally sourced meal, perusing the Mercantile and Market, enjoying a handcrafted cocktail in The Green Lantern Speakeasy, or soon, sampling bourbon made in Bourbon County, Cohn’s Café offers an experience that blends history, community and quality in every way.
As Tracy put it best: “We want people to feel like they’re stepping into something special when they walk through our doors.”
And without a doubt, they do.