Many local residents have walked into Links Tavern to enjoy a drink or something that the crew has whipped up in the kitchen. Owner Cindy Pinson can be seen serving, cooking, cleaning, and stocking, among just a few of the various tasks that she takes on.
We see heartwarming events and calls to action by Cindy throughout the year. Those calls to action range from supporting the animal shelter, gathering donations for area food pantries, and collecting gloves and hats for those less fortunate. Five years ago, Cindy began a tradition of offering a Thanksgiving meal to those who may be alone during the holiday.
This year’s dinner is on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Links Tavern, 112 N. Franklin St., Greensburg, IN 47240.
Cindy said, “Being in the bar business for 30+ years, this time of year is the worst for people who have lost loved ones, are away from loved ones, or just don’t have any ‘people’ for whatever reason. Invites to friends’ dinners just feel awkward, so many just go to the bar! After my parents passed, I experienced what these folks were going through. I just didn’t feel ‘festive,’ and it was after I closed the bar on a Thanksgiving evening and was sitting in a Waffle House eating eggs and bacon that I decided, as long as I was able to, I would make sure people had a place to go for a turkey dinner!”
Cindy states that each year more people come and enjoy a meal with others they may have never met before. Cindy believes that, above all, the meal makes people feel happier on Thanksgiving. She admits that seeing those individuals each year enjoying themselves can even break through her self-proclaimed hard shell and cause a tear or two.
Cindy admits that as the event grew, she had considered stopping because it was getting larger. However, Mike Conk told her, “You’re not quitting it,” and he began to smoke the turkeys and prepare other sides to offer his support for Links’ new tradition. Cindy added that she is thankful for her staff and their support of the annual event.
Cindy said, “By giving and helping others, it fills the void of not having parents to enjoy the holidays with.”
“I feel like others take away the knowing that people do care and that they aren’t alone… for one day we just all take care of each other and make the void a little smaller,” said Pinson.
I asked Cindy what the cost is for individuals to enjoy the meal. She quickly responded and said that the only thing she asks from the community is, if you are coming, please bring your appetite — because she has been told that when she cooks, she cooks for an army. The dinner is open to anyone 21 years of age or older. If you have children, they can do to-go boxes.
