09/23/2026
A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE LEWIS FAMILY 💛
Well… this is a post we’ve been both excited and emotional to write.
In February of 2025, Tim and I took over The Railyard from the original person who built it, Kirk Jefferies. And over the past two years, we have had TWO amazing seasons here.
When we took over, our goal was to really get the community involved and bring The Railyard to the full potential we knew it had for the Springfield community.
And we truly believe we accomplished that.
We had SO much fun. We learned a lot. We made memories we’ll never forget. And most importantly, we connected with the 217 community we love so much on another level.
The Railyard will forever hold such a special place in our hearts. But it’s time for the next chapter in our lives.
Between Tim receiving a great job opportunity in another state that we have talked about moving to for years, and the newest addition to our family, baby #5, we just really felt like God’s timing was so prevalent.
We’ve felt a calling for our family to truly enjoy a season of slowness. Of soaking up every moment with these kiddos the Lord has blessed us with.
Because what good are our worldly accomplishments if they come at the sacrifice of time with the ones we were called to raise?
So as hard as it is to close this chapter, we know in our hearts that it’s the right time.
We are SO proud of what we’ve built here. But we would never want to just leave The Railyard sitting. And that’s where we are SO excited to announce that Brad & Adria Martin, owners of Oakview BBQ, are taking over operations of The Railyard!
As of October 1st, The Railyard officially becomes theirs! 💛
And the best part is, they aren’t shutting things down during the transition. They’ll be keeping The Railyard OPEN on weekends throughout the fall and winter season, and then they’ll be reopening for the next season with some BIG new ideas up their sleeves!
We truly could not be more excited about this.
Brad & Adria are incredibly hard workers, and they share the same passions we do for good food and, most importantly, love for this community.
They have BIG plans for The Railyard, and we truly believe the Lord sent them our way for this beautiful transition.
Make sure you follow their NEW Railyard page so you can stay up to date on their hours, events, new ideas and everything they have planned for the future!
NEW PAGE: The Railyard on Historic Route 66
So we hope you will join us in congratulating them, welcoming them into this new role, and continuing to support them and ALL of the other independently owned businesses housed here at The Railyard.
For now, this is the Lewis family closing a chapter in a community and at a business we love so very much. But we know it’s going to great hands. And continue to follow this page - as I’m highly considering turning it into a baking/cooking page as so many of you ask for our recipes. So stay tuned 💛
And also… Thank you!!!
Thank you to everyone who has continually loved on our family and supported us through all of our adventures over the years. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for eating the food, listening to the music, coming to the events, bringing your families, supporting our vendors, and making The Railyard what it became.
It has truly been an honor to serve this community. And now, it’s our honor to fully focus on serving God in a way we feel called to in this next chapter of our lives.
We love you all more than you know.
Here’s to the next chapter for The Railyard… and the next chapter for our family. 💛
Love,
The Lewis Family
Tim, Emily, Esther, Elmah, Solomon, Birdie & Wallace
**edited to add that all LIVE MUSIC & Events are as scheduled for October!
