Carol Johnson | Southern Indiana Business Report
BORDEN – A new cafe that will serve breakfast sandwiches, coffee drinks, parfaits, muffins, cheesecakes and pastries will have its grand opening along the Monon South Trail in Borden April 17.
Borden Town Granola Bar had a soft opening April 10. Owned by Ryan Juodikis, the cafe is takeout-only and serves freshly made food. Many of the sandwiches are infused with flavors from around the world.
The cafe is located in the same building as 24-Hour Snacks & Drinks, a grab-and-go vending business Juodikis opened in October 2025. The building also houses the kitchen where Juodikis’ Broken Town Granola is made.
Juodikis was looking for a building in Clark County that he could use for making granola when he bought the building in 2022. Soon after, it was announced that the old Monon rail bed that runs through the town would be developed as a public recreation trail.
That news, Juodikis said, changed his plans for the building.
“I love trails,” he said. “Once the governor announced the trail was coming, I decided to include something for the public.”
Recreation trails can serve as a catalyst for economic development. The Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University estimates that the completed Monon South Trail will attract between 25,000 and 93,000 non-local users per year. With an anticipated daily spending of $42-$103 by non-local users, those visitors will have a significant impact on the nine communities located along the trail.
Juodikis is one of the first entrepreneurs to see the potential and open a business in response to the trail.
Brenna LaDuke, Town of Borden development coordinator, said the town is excited to welcome a new business into the community.
“Ryan has worked incredibly hard over the past several years to turn this dream into a reality, and we are proud to see that dedication come to life right here in our community,” LaDuke said. “This new business represents more than just a storefront – it brings positive economic impact, supports local growth, and adds to the unique character that makes Borden special. We look forward to the opportunities it will create and encourage everyone to stop by and show their support.”
“Borden Town Granola Bar is exactly the kind of small business growth we love to see along the trail,” said Sadie Miskuf, Magnificent Monon South program director. “It’s exciting to see someone investing in the community and creating a place that will serve both local residents and future trail visitors. This is a great example of how the Monon South Trail can help bring new energy and opportunity to our towns.”
Grand opening details
The community is invited to the grand opening at 9 a.m. April 17 at 107 W. Main St., Borden. Borden Town Granola Bar will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.