John's Place: A Place for Everyone In the 1960s and 1970s, Cookeville, Tennessee was a segregated town. There were only three places where people of all races could go to have a beer: John's Place, a restaurant and bar owned by John McClellan. John's Place was a popular hangout for Cookeville residents, including Tennessee Technological University students and alumni. The restaurant was known for its delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and welcoming staff. In 2011, John's Place was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the civil rights movement. The restaurant is a reminder of a time when Cookeville was a more inclusive community. Everybody's Welcome at John's Place!