The historic Addison’s building, which was constructed in 1912, served in the past as a post office, college cafeteria and a general store. It stood empty for several years before its conversion to a restaurant in the early 1990s. Emory & Henry, which owns the building, operated it as a deli for several years, before it was closed in 2009 and the College began searching for opportunities to lease the building. Addison’s has served many roles in the Emory community. At one time, the back portion of the building even served as a residence for students attending Emory & Henry. Old mailboxes can still be found in Addison’s from the time when it served as a post office.

In 1912, a store was built across from the train depot by Ben Campbell. He served as postmaster and managed the store, which at times included a barber shop, a laundry, and operated as a dining hall during World War II. The country store served the community for 46 years, owned by Tom Merrihue and managed by Tom and Lorena Addison. The store was a gathering place for members of the community and E&H students and employees, where they could enjoy a hot dog for 70 cents, a good cup of coffee, and the camaraderie of friends and neighbors.

In the 1990’s the building was renovated to serve as a deli/restaurant. The double wood and screened front door and polished hardwood floors still welcome customers as in the old days. Currently the buidling serves as a meeting and banquet facility.

Macado’s, a popular regional restaurant, opened in the summer of 2012 on its new franchise in the Addison's building.

E&H President Rosalind Reichard called the partnership between the College and the restaurant company a “cornerstone for additional development of the Emory village.”

Reichard introduced a special guest for the grand opening, Lorena “Granny” Addison, 90. In 1946, Addison and her late husband, Ben Addison, purchased the building that now houses the new restaurant and for the next 46 years operated a store there.

Macado’s chose Emory & Henry for the site of its restaurant because of its location and because of the growing need for a restaurant in the college town, according to Macher.

Macher listed several other advantages for the new E&H location, including a large outdoor area behind Addison’s, which would provide opportunities for special events, as well as the large, supportive crowds of E&H alumni and sports fans who visit the campus frequently. He also cited strong support from the E&H administration as part of his decision to locate in Emory.

Still independently-owned, Macado’s now operates restaurants in Central and Southwest Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and locations in Bristol, Tenn., and Marion, Va.