All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

The River Cafe opens at Riverbend Golf Course in Buckhannon

River Cafe owner Katelynn Rhodes (Photo by Lily Hicks / My Buckhannon)

BUCKHANNON — A new addition has arrived on the local culinary scene with the opening of The River Cafe on the grounds of the Riverbend Golf Course in Buckhannon.

Owner Katelynn Rhodes, inspired by her passion for coffee and community, embarked on this new venture with enthusiasm and a vision for growth. The idea for The River Cafe emerged during a conversation with her father while Rhodes was in California.

“My dad called me and said, ‘I think I’m going to open up a golf course.’ And I said, ‘Can I open up a cafe?’ And he said, ‘Yes, let’s work out a deal,'” Rhodes recalls.

The result is a charming cafe that provides goodies for golfers and café goers alike. The cafe currently offers a selection of coffee and food items, with plans for expansion in the works.

“I think it’s going to evolve,” Rhodes said. “Eventually we would love to add breakfast, more menu options, and maybe even cater events in the future.”

The opening day of The River Cafe was met with a fantastic turnout. “The first day was phenomenal,” Rhodes said.

The cafe’s peaceful ambiance and scenic surroundings make it an inviting spot for both locals and visitors.

“It looks really good. It’s super peaceful. I would totally bring my laptop and drink my coffee here,” expressed one visitor.

The River Cafe is not just about food and drinks; it also aims to be a place of opportunity and support for those in recovery.

“I’m going to be hiring a lot of girls in recovery. It’s a big passion of mine,” Rhodes said.

Currently, The River Cafe operates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with plans to expand its hours soon. The cafe also plans to introduce homemade lemonade, sweet tea and a variety of baked goods to its menu, all made from scratch.

Whether you’re stopping by for a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or simply to enjoy the serene surroundings, The River Cafe promises a delightful experience. For more information about The River Cafe, visit their location at the Riverbend Golf Course, 591 Evun Breth Acres Road, or follow them on social media for updates.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

WVWC Volleyball

Top-seeded Wesleyan volleyball falls to West Virginia State in MEC semis

Top-seeded West Virginia Wesleyan saw its season end at 20–9 after falling 3–0 (19–25, 28–30, 19–25) to West Virginia State in the Mountain East Conference semifinals.

Wesleyan nursing students collect more than 500 hygiene items and shoes for Upshur County students

A two-week drive organized by West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Nursing Department and Upshur County Schools collected more than 500 hygiene products and shoes for local students and families in need.

Charles Rodney “Rod” Godwin

Charles Rodney “Rod” Godwin, a beloved Buckhannon pharmacist, dedicated family man, avid outdoorsman, and longtime community servant known for his favorite chairs and warm hospitality, died peacefully at home November 14, 2025, aged 77.

From church to celebration space: Hampton Venue opens its doors for weddings, reunions and more

A renovated church in Hampton has reopened as the Hampton Venue, ready for weddings, reunions and other events. Owner Gary Connell held a ribbon cutting Nov. 21 and is taking bookings now — with a limited-time offer waiving rental fees if you serve food through Jaws BBQ.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 13: A lot of blowouts in the first-round of high school playoffs

The first round of the high school playoffs featured mostly blowouts and few upsets — only five lower seeds advanced, with Robert C. Byrd’s No. 14 win the biggest surprise. In Class AAAA, the top four seeds won by an average of 49 points.

Wesleyan volleyball wins tournament opener over Glenville State, 3-1

West Virginia Wesleyan defeated Glenville State 3-1 (25-23, 26-28, 25-22, 25-20) behind strong hitting from Emily Denison and balanced setting from Claire Wheeler to advance to the Mountain East Conference semifinals.

U.S. Attorney says dozens of defendants sentenced during government shutdown

United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced that his office facilitated more than 70 sentences during the 43-day government shutdown, including several defendants from Buckhannon, Clarksburg and Fairmont.

State superintendent approves Rock Cave Elementary closure; final vote set for Dec. 10 in Charleston

In a brief meeting Thursday night, a state-appointed official approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on behalf of State Superintendent Michelle Blatt. The decision now moves to the West Virginia Board of Education for a final vote. The five elected Upshur County Board of Education members had no say in the decision.

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Green Bank, Elkins, Buckhannon and Rowlesburg

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will visit four West Virginia locations in December offering low-dose CT scans. Appointments must be made at least 14 days in advance.