Liberty’s Station has a mission far beyond grilled cheese and soup. The Murfreesboro ministry offers workforce training and mentoring to many local individuals considered in some way “unemployable,” all in an effort to get those with various “disabilities”—or others who struggle with previous criminal records, addiction or homelessness—into the workforce. The sandwich creations that the eatery offers, though, have many of its customers excited about the culinary, as well as the philanthropic, element of the outfit.

Housed in a large former car repair facility in the Jackson Heights Shopping Center at the corner of Broad Street and Medical Center Parkway, Liberty’s Station currently serves a selection of grilled cheese sandwiches, coffee beverages, soups and baked goods for lunch Thursday through Saturday.

The place offers a quiet, relaxing retreat as the nearby Broad Street traffic whizzes by. Peaceful instrumental praise music plays softly while the afternoon sun pours in the building’s front windows.

Daniel, the loyal Liberty’s Station front-of-house host, welcomes a group of first-time patrons and directs them to the ordering counter. Here, they peruse the menu, which contains a variety of grilled cheese options, all served up on soft, buttery white bread.

The Tri-Star grilled cheese combines a fantastic blend of three cheeses—cheddar, provolone and cream cheese. The pizzeria sandwich includes mozzarella, Parmesan and pepperoni, while the caprese features diced tomatoes, pesto and mozzarella on a grilled cheese.

The veggie grilled cheese [pictured top] is particularly delicious for this writer, who has a tendency of late to put spinach, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes in all manner of things; this sandwich has those exact vegetables. The onions on this one are sautéed and give the sandwich a surprisingly delicious flavor.

If you like the sound of brie and bacon on a Donut Country doughnut, order the B52.

And Liberty’s Station even has a creation known as the Ballpark—a grilled cheese concoction filled with cheddar cheese, a beef hot dog, chili and diced onion.

Served on jalapeño cornbread, the restaurant makes available the Taco Stand, with beef chorizo and cheddar cheese, on the fourth week of each month only.

Aside from the sandwiches, the spot serves a very tasty tomato basil soup, along with cookies and salads.

Plus, this place “knows what they are doing when it comes to brewing a good cup of joe,” according to local coffee consumer Brennon Jones.

Try a latte with the signature Liberty’s Station Cherry Blossom Syrup—a mixture of amaretto, chocolate and maple flavors—or other varieties of the numerous coffee beverages.

It’s not exactly the spot to protein-load—it is, after all, a house of grilled cheese and soup—but a grilled cheeserie should be a hit with most kids.

And although most of the fare likely wouldn’t be incredibly difficult to recreate at home, Liberty’s Station does indeed add some creative combinations to the grilled cheese world, making it a wonderful option for those who consider grilled cheese one of their preferred comfort foods.

The team is quite welcoming and friendly, and it appears that Liberty’s Station emphasizes great customer service, working hard to train its staff to be engaging and inviting, and to make each visit a pleasant experience for guests. (Some suggest asking Daniel to play a song on his guitar while waiting for lunch.)

The location does make a comfortable spot for a meeting over coffee or a sandwich. A couple of people wishing to try a few different sandwiches can do so with the Liberty’s Flight, which contains three different sandwiches—the Tri-Star, pizzeria and veggie—quartered, as well as three dipping sauces, for $24.99; or patrons can build their own custom, three-sandwich flight.

Jody Powers, the executive director of Liberty’s Station and its partner organization, Amelia’s Closet, encourages groups and parties looking for a meeting space to look into renting the large facility for events and meetings.

Rentals can go a long way towards helping the organization cover its overhead expenses and provide services to even more local individuals, she says.

And of course, on a cool Thursday, Friday or Saturday this winter, when you need a quick, hot and filling lunch, consider stopping by Liberty’s Station, grabbing a grilled cheese and soup (a warm hug of a comforting meal) and supporting the cause.

Liberty’s Station
850 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro
Thurs.–Sat.: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
615-625-5191
Pizzeria, caprese, Monte Cristo or ballpark grilled cheese: $8.99; 12-ounce latte: $5; Cup of soup or small salad: $3.50; Old-fashioned grilled cheese: $4.99; 2 cookies: $2; Liberty’s Flight (Tri-Star, pizzeria and veggie sandwiches plus three dipping sauces): $24.99
libertysstationtn.org