By SABRINA GARRETT
The Wilson Post

Locals were disheartened when Clayborn’s Bakery closed in 2012; however, sugar and caffeine fiends will once again be able to get their fix when doors reopen in early March.

Josh Hubbard, a recent graduate of Tennessee Technological University, is taking the reins of the 64-year-old business.

Once owned by his great uncle, Johnnie Clayborn, followed by his son Todd who is currently running the wholesale department of the business, “We are keeping it in the family,” Josh explained.

Josh grew up witnessing the effect that Clayborn’s Bakery had on the Lebanon community. “People really took to the bakery. They would go in for a donut, cookies, pies, birthday cakes or wedding cakes. It is exciting to me to bring something back to Lebanon that meant so much to me as well as many others that I have spoken with.”

Renovations began on the building two months ago, with Josh, the son of Larry Hubbard, a Lebanon real estate agent, and his crew adding light fixtures, new countertops, tabletops and a fresh coat of paint to the local jewel.

Josh hopes the new look will attract a new generation of Clayborn’s customers. During an interview with Elliott Benson on Lebanon High School’s “LHS Today” television show, the LHS alum said that the new bakery will feature Wi-Fi so that students can bring their gadgets and “have a cup of coffee or a donut while they study.”

“A lot of things have been inspired from what my friends enjoy – a place they would want to go study, get a nice sandwich, omelet or a donut. It is all the same great food, same recipes, but a new look,” he said.

“It will be a place that the Cumberland University college crowd, Lebanon High School students, those in their 20s will love. I’m taking what people in Nashville love and emphasizing it here – but age doesn’t matter. I want it to fit everyone’s needs.”