The Coffee Pot
Also known as: Joe's Ranch House Restaurant; DHR file no. 128-50
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Why it's listed
Built in 1936 on the edge of Roanoke, this one-story log building at 2902 Brambleton Avenue was meant to catch the eye of passing drivers on the then-new U.S. 221. Clifton and Irene Kefauver built it as a filling station and tea room, but it soon became a roadhouse where locals danced, drank beer and socialized. The T-shaped building has vertical pine logs painted black with white mortar caulking, exposed log rafters and trusses, and a large natural stone chimney. On the roof sits a roughly 15-foot stucco coffee pot, which once released steam from its spout. The design combines Rustic architecture with mimetic roadside architecture, in which a structure illustrates the business it houses. Later changes include an enclosed porch, a kitchen addition from about 1960 and replaced windows. It remains the only Roanoke Valley roadhouse still in operation, and is listed for its architecture and its place in local entertainment history.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is a significant example of two architectural styles at their height in the 1930s: Rustic and Mimetic Roadside. It also records the building's role as a popular entertainment and recreation spot for Roanokers, and notes it is the only Roanoke Valley roadhouse still operating.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 96000575, listed May 31, 1996. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 2902 Brambleton Ave., SW, Roanoke (Independent City) |
|---|---|
| County | Roanoke (city and county) |
| Listed | May 31, 1996 |
| Reference number | 96000575 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1936 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Rustic and Mimetic Roadside |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | In good condition and still operating as a roadhouse restaurant with live music on weekends. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 37.24330, -79.99114 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 96000575.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7726607
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.