Lance Miller in the kitchen. photo by Bob Gustin
CHANGE AT MAIN continued from 17 modernization requirements that are planned for a later phase,” he said.
“ We’ re really excited about the direction we’ re going and special thanks to everyone in the community that has embraced the change. I think everyone will be really pleased with the results as we start a new chapter in the building.”
A patio area is planned outside between the restaurant and the PNC Bank building.
“ We hope to have some outdoor seating available, and at least a beautiful little pocket garden to sit outside and enjoy in the meantime,” Tyra said.
Current plans for the Bird’ s Nest Café on Franklin Street call for it to remain open, but with a different focus and a slightly different name— Bird’ s Nest Social. It will remain open on a limited schedule as a quick service“ meat and three” restaurant, Tyra said, and as a catering hall. The venue will also be available to rent for special events, garden parties, and perhaps ticketed events such as jazz performances. The café is known for its gourmet menu, art decorations, and outdoor dining among prolific flower gardens.
Tyra grew up in Columbus, but her older sister worked in Brown County, and Tyra loved to accompany her to work, watch the shoppers pass by, run around town all day, and enjoy a Green River drink at the Hobnob.
After graduating from Columbus North High School, she planned to head west. But she only made it 16 miles, stopping in Nashville.“ I’ m still here,” she said. The wooded areas of Brown County bring her a sense of calm, and she thrives on the attention to the arts and the general feeling of community.
She’ s always had an entrepreneurial spirit, running lemonade stands as a kid, and figuring out ways to collect more Halloween candy. That spirit carried on into adulthood, operating a string of successful businesses in Nashville.
She moved to Brown County in 1988, and in her 20s, worked for Marilyn Rudd( Andy and Aaron’ s mother) at a plant shop, then running it herself as her first business, Horsefeathers, which sold live plants, herbs, baskets, and other items.
She sold that business to an employee and bought a house at 914 Highland Drive., which she turned into a bed and breakfast called Robinwood Inn. She and her husband Lance still live there, and continue to operate it.
Lance grew up near Kokomo, lived in upstate New York for a while, then returned to Indiana to
18 Our Brown County May / June 2026