Nest 1896

Nest 1896 is the Logan County Chamber’s Business of the month for the month of March. 

Longing to be a part of the rebirth of Downtown Bellefontaine power couple, Kathleen and Darin Robinaugh, opened Nest 1986, in May of 2017.

“We opened with about 20 vendors,” said Mrs. Robinaugh. “Shortly after opening, it was clear we needed more space, so Small Nation renovated the second floor of Nest 1896, which opened in August of 2017. We later opened Twig and Feather (located on South Main Street in Downtown Bellefontaine) and we now have about 100 vendors (between the two locations).” 

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It is located on West Columbus Avenue and sells vintage handmade home décor, clothing, gifts and food products. They have a wide range of products for all ages and a wide price range. 

“We believe vintage is ‘green’ and locally made is best,” said Mrs. Robinaugh. “We provide a place for over 50 small businesses to sell their items with low overhead. We don’t require they man their shops and we take care of many business tasks for them.” 

Mrs. Robinaugh was raised in West Liberty, while her husband was raised in Bellefontaine. They have been married for 35 years and have four adult children: Jason, Jordan, Brody and Trace Robinaugh. The entire Robinaugh family loves being a part of Historic Downtown Bellefontaine. 

“I love the positive energy that there is in Downtown Bellefontaine, said Mrs. Robinaugh. “It is always changing and growing. It’s great because we have the best of so many things and no two places are alike. Each business is special.” 

1896 also has a mix of family and friends working together at the vintage farmhouse antique store, including their son Trace Robinaugh, Barbara Cooper (manager), Judy Bendy, Heather Weimer, Connie Smith, Abby Cooksey and Tyler Berry. 

“Barbara has been with me since the beginning,” said Mrs. Robinaugh. “She is my right hand and I always say they (her employees) pick up all my slack. Nest is definitely not just about me; it takes all of us to make it work.” 

Wanting to become more involved in the local business community was the biggest reason the Robinaugh’s wanted to become Chamber members. 

“We really appreciate the marketing and referrals done by the chamber,” said Mrs. Robinaugh. 

Please join us in congratulating Nest 1896 on being selected as the Business of the Month.