Face + Places March 2023

FACES PLACES+

Three-leggedJake brings joy to assisted living residents } }

The people and businesses across our SOUTHERN MINN Newspaper Group.

From humble beginnings, Mohs now constructs his community’s future

Newly opened Giliberto’s to be open 24 hours

Veteran theater director pivots from stage to folklore class

Morristown man rebuilds the arcade experience of the ‘80s

Three-legged dog brings joy to assisted living residents

Le Sueur family-owned diner Luke’s revived by founder’s son

Waseca resident lives off the land at Barefoot Lane

Owatonna theater’s costumes come from late Kenyon designer

Local sisters proud to operate Mary Ann’s Floral & Gifts

From humble beginnings, Mohs now constructs his community’s future

Second Saint-Gobain subsidiary moving to Faribault

Business owner Shorty Johnson shares fervor for photography

Pepito’s Pizzeria adds to Waseca’s growing ‘entertainment district

The coffee is bottomless and the fireplace is warm: Area 57 Cafe celebrates 20 years

FACES PLACES +

A special publication of the Faribault Daily News, Owatonna People’s Press, Northfield News, Kenyon Leader, Waseca County News, Le Sueur County News, St. Peter Herald and Caledonia Argus

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Newly opened Giliberto’s to be open 24 hours { }

By EMILY KAHNKE emily.kahnke@apgsomn.com

Owatonna was buzzing with excitement, as residents lined up to get their hands on some fresh tacos and celebrate the grand opening of Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop Dec. 28.

Many in the community have been waiting for the grand opening at 1232 S. Oak Ave., which was supposed to take place this past summer, but was pushed back a few months for varying reasons, according to owner Ana Coconi.

“We are excited to finally be open,” she said. “We will be open late for drivethru and every day of the week.”

Giliberto’s is an authentic Mexican chain restaurant first opened in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has expanded to multiple locations Utah and Minnesota. There are two locations in St. Cloud and one in Mankato and Wilmar. It will be open all day and night in Owatonna.

Expanding to Owatonna seemed like the right decision for Coconi having owned several successful locations throughout the state and beyond. Sharing a love for food and authentic Mexican dishes has been a priority with all the locations.

“All of our dishes are made fresh,” Coconi said. “From scratch-made enchiladas to delicious tamales, we have a big menu with something for

everyone including deserts.”

The menu offers a wide variety of Mexican fare — from burritos and entrees in the breakfast section (available 24 hours) to a number of specials, vegetarians items, seafood items, and long lists of burrito, enchilada, taco, tamale, tostada and torta options. There are also soups, sides, desserts, drinks, a kids’ menu and more.

Jennifer Frazier was impressed with the selection and excited to try out different items. She was happy to welcome the team to Owatonna and wished the business a successful grand opening.

continued on page 3

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Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop celebrated their grand opening Wednesday at their location on South Oak Ave. The shop is open Monday through Friday 24 hours a day. (Emily Kahnke/ southernminn.com)

Veteran theater director pivots from stage to folklore class

} }

By PAMELA THOMPSON pamela.thompson@apgsomn.com

Students enrolled in Sylvia Langworthy’s January class at FiftyNorth will certainly meet a cast of folklore figures wildly different from the Shakespearean characters the longtime theater director usually works with.

Instead of introducing Hamlet, Othello or Lady Macbeth to her students, Langworthy will be discussing little creatures who have made their literary mark over the years. Titled “Gnomes, Trolls, Nissen & Tomten, oh my!” the class at FiftyNorth, 1651 Jefferson Pkwy. will introduce students to these often beloved, sometimes feared, fictional figures that have historically populated literary works across many nations and cultures.

Langworthy said she’s excited to share her knowledge about the various folklore figures. Based on years of research and a few presentations she’s given in local schools, she said she’ll discuss where the figures come from, where they work and play, what their relationship has been with humans, what their differences and similarities are across nationalities, and where they appear in literature.

“Many of the figures carry a strong religious overtone,” she said. “In many countries, cultures formed and laws and rules were

based on beliefs and ideas from folklore.”

A collection of handmade figures — mostly gnomes — are currently on display in the gallery cases at FiftyNorth. Langworthy said she knitted the gnomes from an original pattern she found at the Northfield Yarn Shop. “I began knitting and after about 10 gnomes I realized they were bearded males,” she said. “Being an Uppity Woman, I need equal representation. The problem was solved when my friend suggestion no bears, just add braids.”

Langworthy, whose career in theater and costume design spans more than 50 years, received her degree in Theater Arts from the University of Minnesota. While she has taught theater at the University of Minnesota and Augsburg College, the stage and not the classroom is where she found her home.

“I’m a very physical director,” she said. “I find joy when my students become seekers, when they are looking to add interest to their lives and expand their horizons.”

She has directed plays at the University of Minnesota, Northfield Arts Guild, the Iowa City Community Theater and at FiftyNorth, where she directs the Uppity Women. During the 10 years she was the Children’s Theater director at the Rochester Community Theater, she directed over 100 plays for the Masque Youth Theater and School.

Langworthy said most Minnesotans may

be familiar with gnomes, trolls and Niswa from reading Norwegian and Scandinavian folklore or from studying Norse mythology.

Just like Shakespeare, Langworthy said the old folklore stories passed down from one generation to the next are meant to stay

lunch.

GILBERTO’S

continued from page 2

around 11 a.m. this morning, a line began forming as community members were eager to try a new restaurant in Owatonna.

Bonnie Bremer saw a post shared

on Facebook announcing the grand opening so she gathered her husband and a few friends to head to the restaurant located on south Oak Ave. near the CompCare for

relevant for all time. “They are truly timeless,” she said.

“The food was really good,” she said. “You definitely get a lot for the money, and we really enjoyed it.”

Dave and Ruth Smith joined the Bremer duo for lunch and were happy to see the restaurant had finally opened saying they had been wondering for a few weeks when the official opening day would be.

“We like to try new places to eat,” Dave said. “It seems to be good value, there’s plenty to eat with the money you pay.”

Brad Fischer with the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism was among some of the first through the door eager to get his hands on some tacos.

“They’re delicious,” he exclaimed as he took a bite and said he

IF YOU GO

Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop is located on 1232 S. Oak Ave. in Owatonna.

The drive-thru is open 24 hours a day.

See more at facebook. com/Gilibertos13.

planned to take some down to his colleagues at the chamber office. Fischer said it’s great to see Owatonna thriving with new businesses and restaurants opening and seeing them be successful on their first day.

Reach Reporter Emily Kahnke at 507444-2376. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Pamela Thompson is the associate editor for the Northfield News. Reach her at 507-645-1115 or pamela.thompson@apgsomn.com.

Sylvia Langworthy talks about theater, folklore and knitting from the corner of her comfortable living room overlooking a snowy Memorial Park. (Pamela Thompson/southernminn.com)

Sylvia Langworthy holds one of the dozens of gnomes she’s knitted using a pattern she found last summer at the Northfield Yarn Shop. (Pamela Thompson/southernminn.com)

Sylvia Langworthy’s folklore creatures are on display at FiftyNorth this month. (Pamela Thompson/southernminn.com)

When the doors officially opened

Giliberto’s celebrated their grand opening Wednesday serving everything from breakfast items to deserts to dozens of guests throughout the day. (Emily Kahnke/ southernminn.com)

Casey Johnson was among dozens of people eager to get in line for a taste of what the new Mexican restaurant had to offer. (Emily Kahnke/southernminn.com)

Morristown man rebuilds the arcade experience of the ‘80s

By COLTON KEMP colton.kemp@apgsomn.com

It was the era of neon signs and bulky TVs, and Matthew Coulsey was working at Cinema Six in the thenbustling Faribo West Mall. When he went on break or his shift ended, he’d head over the MagicLand to play classic arcade games.

Although the outdated arcade machines have gone by the wayside, nostalgia inspired Coulsey to build modernized ones for himself.

“These games are kind of lost in time, you know?” he said. “You can listen to the music from high school — I can turn on the Foo Fighters or Nirvana — but you can’t play the games. It’s just a way to get these old retro games working.”

It wasn’t until 2017 that he started his business, Retro Replay Arcades, building and selling the upgraded multi-game consoles. He runs to business out of his own workshop, next door to his house.

Coulsey’s workshop is over 2,500 square feet and complete with old-movie posters and power tools. A few of the worktables have the original marquees from repurposed retired pinball machines and arcade consoles. The smell of sawdust fills the air and a thin layer of the wood remnants coat everything.

The workshop would become the setting of Coulsey’s full-time job.

“I worked at a nonprofit for 15 years,” he said. “I just got laid off in March 2020 and I just started doing this. I had no other choice. So, I did this and it turned out to be a fun little business.”

With the stay-at-home protocols that came with the pandemic, his business took

off.

“It picked up a lot, but I’m only a oneman shop,” he said. “I can’t build as many as I’d like. I build as many as I can. But if you

TO BUY OR TRY

Prospective buyers of Retro Replay Arcades’ modernized arcade machines may contact Matthew Coulsey through his website, RetroReplayArcades.com, or by phone at 507-491-1894.

want to do a good job, (you can make) really just one (at a time).”

With the blurred line between work and play, he often finds himself bringing

To try out the machines, see the Retro Replay Arcades booth at the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show from March 1-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The setup will also be available to try out at the KOWZ & KRUE Home and Recreation

from March 24-26 at the Four Season Centre in Owatonna.

Matthew Coulsey, of Morristown, stands in the Retro Replay Arcade workshop with his latest sale, a four-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles console. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

Movies, comic books and more are the central theme for the walls of the Retro Replay Arcades workshop. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

Vintage marquees, the art that lights up at the top of an arcade game, sit on one of the worktables in the workshop. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

Matthew Coulsey, of Retro Replay Arcades, plays his latest creation, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade console. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

}There are four sets of buttons and joysticks for the four-player console that Matthew Coulsey most recently sold. (Colton Kemp/southernminn. com)

Tilting the four-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles console to the side, Matthew Coulsey prepares for a long drive for Monday’s delivery. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

Show

his own creations down to his basement. After showing off his some framed vintage comics, he booted up his own redone pinball machine, which he said took a week of labor.

Instead of being stuck with just one pinball table or arcade game, the machines can switch between hundreds of various designs. Instead of a slot to insert quarters, players press a “credit” button to light up the LED screen.

If the machine doesn’t already have someone’s favorite game programmed in, the user can download them for free online.

The machines are smaller than the old versions, because the flat-screen monitors are substantially thinner than the originals. This allows his newly cut wood, which encapsulates the electronics, to fit through the average-size door in a house.

Coulsey makes livable profits from his new business, but he is wary about pricing people out. Putting $2,000 into a machine, which takes him five or six days of labor, he said he’d only get ask about $2,700 for it.

“I tried to price them so people can afford them,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of crazy customers that have tons and tons of money, but I make just enough to get by.

Cousley, whose past jobs have included as a reporter for the Faribault Daily News for three years in the early 2000s, said he could never go back to working in an office.

“I’m just, like, this is what I want to do. It’s kind of a dream,” he said. “It’s fun. Like today, I get to go on a delivery and it’s like I’m Santa Claus.”

Reach Reporter Colton Kemp at 507-333-3129. © Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

TOP LEFT: Matthew Coulsey points out some of his favorite comic books. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

TOP: Matthew Coulsey unscrews the joysticks and buttons from the main console, in order to load it into his SUV for a delivery. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

LEFT: An old Big Buck Hunter console from 2006 sits in the Retro Replay Arcades workshop. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

Three-legged dog brings joy to assisted living residents

By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com

What has a long face, three legs and is brown and white all over?

To residents at Oak Terrace Senior Living of Le Sueur, there’s an easy answer. The question describes the assisted living facility’s most beloved visitor on three paws: a 9-year-old long-haired collie named Jake.

Owned by Merry and Scott Theis in rural Henderson, Jake has been a frequent guest at the assisted living facility — greeting residents with friendly tail wags and wet kisses. The canine caretaker has been a hit at Oak Terrace since he first began visiting Merry’s mother Carol Mears in hospice care. Mears sadly died at the age of 90 in 2021, but Scott still brings Jake to Oak Terrace to share the love.

“He brings a lot of joy,” said Scott.

Long before volunteering as a creature of comfort, Jake was born a healthy puppy with four paws and 18 toes on a farm. The Theis family was helping put on a Special Olympics event on-site when the farmers offered them the pick of the litter.

The Theises — Merry, Scott and their children Noah and Rachel — named their new puppy after the country song “Feed Jake,” by the Pirates of the Mississippi, in which the narrator asks for someone to take care of his beloved dog if he dies before he wakes.

Jake would come to live up to the loyalty of his namesake. From an early age, the collie was eager to care for others. Whenever a member of the family got sick, Jake wouldn’t leave their side. And when the family discovered a litter of

kittens in their woodpile, Jake adopted them as if they were his own.

“He would lay down and there would be five kittens crawling all over him,” said Scott. “He would lick them and bathe them and he really took care of them.”

The Theis family ended up keeping one of the kittens and to this day their relationship resembles that of a father and child more than the rivalry of a dog and a cat.

The canine’s compassion was just what the family needed when Merry’s mother was diagnosed with dementia.

Mears began showing signs of the cognitive disorder just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world. As nursing and assisted living were locked down to prevent the spread of the virus to residents, the family worried about how the isolation was impacting Mears. So in the fall of 2020, Merry brought her mother to live with the family at home.

There were, however, challenges in the transition. Mears didn’t recognize the Theis’ home and had trouble remembering people and understanding where she was. But one presence in the house she always recognized was Jake.

“it was a little harder that we thought wasn’t capable of learning anything new, but she would always knew Jake,” said Merry. “She was confused about who people were and where she was, but she did know Jake. He was a constant for her.”

Ironically, Jake did not make a great first impression on Mears when they first met. Merry said her mother was a dog lover but wasn’t crazy about the puppy when they first brought him home.

However, under the Theises’ roof, the pair became inseparable. When Mears went to bed, Jake would lie down in her room. When she was on the couch watching television, he would sit right beside her. When she walked around the house, he was quick to follow.

“He was very good with my mom, and it just kind of came naturally. He didn’t want to go out of the bed in the morning until she did and didn’t want to go in the car without her,” said Merry. “He always would follow her. He was definitely trying to give her comfort. She wasn’t sick, but she was getting older, and he must have sensed she was pretty weak.”

Jake looked after Mears, even as he was recovering from his own injury. Around two and a half years ago, a cancerous lump was located on Jake’s front left ankle. The family made the difficult choice of amputating his leg in hopes of stopping the spread.

The surgery was a success, but there was still a risk of the cancer re-emerging. Jake’s outlook was uncertain and the family hoped he would live for at least six more months, so Noah could come home from serving in the Navy and see his dog one last time.

But there would be many more reunions to come. Jake defied the odds and continues to thrive two and a half years later, with no signs of cancer.

In October 2020, Mears went back to Oak Terrace, where she lived out the rest of her life. The family made the most out of their remaining months and continued to visit her with Jake tagging along.

“I think [Jake] made the end of her life happier than it would have been, for sure,” said Merry.

Carol Mears pictured with her daughter’s dog Jake. The canine was one of Mears closest companions toward the end of her life. (Courtesy of Merry and Scott Theis)

Jake and Carol Mears smile at each other as Jake squats on top of her wheelchair. (Courtesy of Merry and Scott Theis)

Jake and Carol Mears enjoy the outdoors. (Courtesy of Merry and Scott Theis)

Scott and Merry Theis hold their beloved nine-year-old collie Jake. (Carson Hughes/ southernminn.com)

Le Sueur family-owned diner Luke’s revived by founder’s son } }

By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com

Breakfast is back on the menu in Le Sueur.

From the 1940s through the 1970s, Luke’s Cafe was the local destination for a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee.

Under the ownership of founder Luke Schoeppner, the diner was an iconic cornerstone in the local culinary scene and was once the only restaurant in town in 1974.

Luke’s story came to an end after Luke sold the building at 203 Main St. — or so it was thought. Over the years, the downtown storefront was bought and sold, operating as

numerous businesses — until 2020 when it fell into the hands of Luke’s son Pete Schoeppner and his wife Ruth Schoeppner.

With warm memories of working in his father’s restaurant as a kid, Pete and Ruth were on a mission to bring back the beloved diner.

“I grew up in town; both of us grew up in a restaurant; and there is no other breakfast place or any little diner in town,” said Pete. “… and we felt it was important to give back to the community and have something like this.”

The Schoeppners signaled the restaurant’s return with the appearance of the cafe’s old logo on the facade above the entrance.

Community members watched with anticipation over the next two years as the couple restored the building to its old self.

While the remodel isn’t a full recreation of the original cafe, it’s no less nostalgic. Dripping in a vintage, Americana aesthetic, Luke’s features a retro mid-20th century facade, a checkerboard tile floor and a mural of Main Street by local artist Lana Beck on the left hand wall.

The U-shaped lunch counter which was positioned in the center of the cafe has been swapped out for an open layout, but diners can still sit at a rectangular lunch counter emblazoned with the Luke’s logo. Despite the 40-50 years since

Luke’s closure, there are a few artifacts from the old restaurant that have stood the test of time. All of the stools along the lunch counter are from the original cafe, said Pete. Even Luke’s old malt mixer is still in use.

Though not on the menu yet, Pete plans to bring back one of his father’s classic recipes: the Mexiburger.

The long-awaited reopening of Luke’s finally arrived on Dec. 17 as the Schoeppners launched a soft opening of the eatery. The community’s craving for Luke’s burgers and breakfast platters was far larger than the owners expected.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28 and

Thursday, Dec. 29, Luke’s was forced to close its doors early because it ran out of food.

The flood of customers consisted of a mix of curious first-timers and long-time residents with fond memories of dining at Luke’s.

“The community has supported us extremely well,” said Pete. “The cooks and the front staff have been really good. We’ve had really good comments about the food, they really liked it. That’s what we want and that’s what we’re hoping for.”

Patrons looking for a taste of Luke’s menu of breakfast staples, burgers, grilled sandwiches and desserts will have to stop by early in the day. From Jan. 3 onward the restaurant will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Reach Reporter Carson Hughes at 507-931-8575. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.

Luke’s restaurant staff and owner Peter Schoeppner celebrated the diner’s long-awaited return to Le Sueur. Customer demand exceeded expectations during the cafe’s soft opening. (Carson Hughes/southernminn. com)

LEFT: The Luke’s building pictured before the remodel. Over two and a half years Pete and Ruth Schoeppner transformed the building into a proper vintage diner.

FAR LEFT: Owners Pete and Ruth Schoeppner reopened Luke’s restaurant in downtown Le Sueur decades after it first closed. The business was originally founded by Pete’s father Luke Schoeppner in the 1940’s. (Carson Hughes photos/ southernminn.com)

Waseca resident lives off the land at Barefoot Lane } }

By ETHAN BECKER ethan.becker@apgsomn.com

When people think of homesteading, the image that comes to mind is typically set in the great plains west otvf Minnesota, but one Waseca resident is showing exactly how it can be done right here. Christa Wadekamper has been living on her homestead, which she calls Barefoot Lane, since 2020 with her husband Jesse and son Oliver.

“The name came, because I’m always barefoot. I’m known to leave the house without shoes and it drives people crazy,” Wadekamper said. “When we moved out here, we needed a name, so that when we referred to the homestead, people knew what we were talking about.”

While Wadekamper said that most people have a slightly different definition of what it means to be a homesteader, to her, it’s about knowing where your food comes from.

“For me, it’s about providing our own food and baking and cooking from the land as much as I can,” Wadekamper said. “I hunt it, fish it, raise it or grow it, and what I can’t

get out here, I like to go to local farmers markets to supplement.”

“For me, I want to know where my food is coming from and that my meat is being raised kindly. Plus, I think it’s better for the environment if you raise it yourself. None of my food is coming wrapped in plastic,” Wadekamper said.

Although Wadekamper has only been living with her family on her homestead since 2020, that lifestyle has been something that she’s lived for all of her life.

“I grew up doing this. I’d go hunting and fishing with my dad; my family had a garden, and I’d do baking with my mom,” Wadekamper said. “I really just grew up with it.”

While Wadekamper now lives on a multi-acre property outside of Waseca city limits, she and her family have lived in the city prior to their current residence in order to help Wadekamper’s husband with his job.

“We’ve owned houses and rented before, and even then I did some form of homesteading there. At each place, I grew a larger and larger garden, and my dad would raise chickens for us,” Wadekamper said.

Since moving out to Barefoot Lane, Wadekamper has grown her operation. Now, her homestead has ducks and chickens, as well as a large garden where Wadekamper gets her produce from.

“Since we’ve moved out here, I’ve expanded our garden more,” Wadekamper said, reflecting on what she’s especially proud of. “In the middle of the winter, our food is coming from here, our meat is coming from here. It brings me joy knowing I raised this, I harvested this.”

While the summer and spring are kept busy tending to the garden and caring for the animals on the farm, Wadekamper spends her winters baking, and recently, slowly opening up her store.

“I’m slowly beginning to open up my shop, where I sell crocheted items and embroidery, and I teach lessons on baking,” Wadekamper said. “I do the crafting stuff in the winter, so I have enough of a stockpile for the summer.”

And that joy and passion for the work of homesteading isn’t just confined to Christa, her husband and son also get in on the fun when they can.

“My husband helps with the chores when he’s not at work, and Oliver has his own chicken coop and is raising chickens,” Wadekamper said. “I love introducing my son to homesteading. Seeing the joy he gets when his chickens are laying eggs or we’re incubating the chicks, and knowing I’m passing it on to him.”

For anyone wanting to get into homesteading themselves, Wadekamper encourages them to just start — and not let their current

situation stop them. While it may be difficult in many circumstances to live the lifestyle 100%, she believes there are always ways to at least partially take part.

“Anyone can be a homesteader,” she said.“If you live in an apartment, you can put plants in a pot on the windowsill. You don’t have to let your location stop you.”

Ethan Becker is a reporter for the Waseca County News. Reach him at (507) 333-3133. Find him on Twitter @ Ethan_BeckerWCN or @WasecaNews.

Christa Wadekamper moved out to her homestead, which she calls Barefoot Lane, in 2020. Since then she’s worked expanding her garden and raising chickens and ducks. (Ethan Becker/ southernminn.com)

Christa Wadekamper’s homestead, Barefoot Lane, currently has a number of chickens and ducks, and next year they’re looking to add turkeys and geese. (Ethan Becker/southernminn.com)

Owatonna theater’s costumes come from late Kenyon designer } }

By EMILY KAHNKE emily.kahnke@apgsomn.com

The Little Theatre of Owatonna’s costume collections, which includes more than 4,000 pieces, largely came from one woman — Coletta Flom.

LTO Executive Director Victoria Bartkowiak said a portion of Flom’s collection was purchased thanks to a grant in 2016. They were later contacted about the remaining historical pieces, materials and patterns that were still at her home, which were moved into the theater in October 2020. They now have been officially titled the “Coletta Collection.”

Flom was well known throughout the theater community in Owatonna, Faribault and her hometown of Kenyon. She died in December 2020.

Flom’s collection is so large, the LTO had to rent an extra room just to house it all.

Many of Flom’s creations will be used in the upcoming production of “Arms and the Man.”

Friend and fellow costumer Mary Fraser said she had worked with Flom several times.

“It was an amazing acquisition,” Fraser said. “The collection was worth thousands more than what we paid for it. Coletta was just amazing with what she did. She made probably half of the costumes in the collection with what she had.”

Fraser described how Flom could take vintage costumes that were falling apart and re-create them or use pieces to add to something new.

“She was quite the woman,” Fraser said. “She was a little rugged around the edges, but I learned so much from her the few times I got to work with her. She could take upholstery and make costumes. She could make a fabulous costume out of something as simple as a sheet.”

Current LTO Board President Rebecca

Somers recalled working with Flom at the theater in Kenyon in the 1990s.

“I remember going to Colette’s house and, while she measured me, looking gobsmacked at the racks of clothes and stacks of fabric, trim, boxes of buttons stacked neatly in every corner of her home,” Somers recalled. “I was young and I think I said something like, ‘Will this look OK on me?’ and she replied with a version of ‘Who do you think I am? I wouldn’t put it on you if it didn’t.’ She was very kind, and crazy intelligent.”

Fraser said Flom’s Kenyon home was filled with costumes from her garage to the attic, and Flom knew precisely where everything was.

“You could think of some obscure piece and

ask her about it, and she knew exactly where it was every time,” Fraser said. “She was just so special. I remember her making jellyfish for ‘The Little Mermaid.’ You could tell her an idea and she could envision it in her head and then create it.”

One of Flom’s good friends, Norma Louis, said she loved restoring and creating 19th century dresses.

“She was so talented and had a love for antiques, whether it was clothing or glassware,” she said.“She was just a master at restoring and creating.”

Reporter Emily Kahnke at 507444-2376.

Coletta Flom spent a lifetime building a one-of-a-kind costume collection that was eventually relocated to the Little Theatre of Owatonna. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Many pieces found in the Little Theatre of Owatonna’s “Coletta Collection” were handsewn and designed by longtime friend of the theater community Coletta Flom. (Photo courtesy of Little Theatre of Owatonna)

Thank to a 2016 grant, the Little Theatre of Owatonna acquired a large amount of costumes from Coletta Flom. In October 2020, another couple hundred pieces were donated, making the collection more than 4,000 pieces. (Photo courtesy of Little Theatre of Owatonna)

Many of the more than 4,000 pieces currently in the collection can be seen on stage during nearly every Little Theatre of Owatonna production, including last winter’s staging of “Blithe Spirit.” (Photo courtesy of Little Theatre of Owatonna)

Local sisters proud to operate Mary Ann’s Floral & Gifts

By RACHEL STOCK rachel.stock@apgecm.com

At the end of 2016, two sisters took over a 65-year-old downtown shop in Caledonia. The pressure was on, tasked with not only running a business for the first time, but keeping a community staple going in the heart of their town.

Six years in, Aimee Welscher and Arien O’Heron are going strong.

Owned by Mary Ann Schmitz for 65 years, what is now Mary Ann’s Floral and Gifts was once just a flower shop. Operated out of a renovated house on 308 E. Main St., the space was originally split into two parts. The first served as living quarters for Mary Ann and the other as a storefront for the flower shop.

This all changed in December 2016, however, when sisters Welscher and O’Heron bought the place from their great aunt Mary Ann. The sisters continued to run the store as a flower shop, with Welscher serving as the creative mind behind the floral arrangements and O’Heron as the business’s bookkeeper.

But two years after the purchase, the sisters added to space, transforming what was once the living quarters into a large gift shop.

“It was good to put the two together,” said Aimee Welscher. “It worked well.”

A large glass fridge with grab and go flowers can be seen stocked at Mary Ann’s, as can a jungle-like section featuring a wide variety of houseplants and gardening utensils. In addition to greenery, the shop also offers kitchen supplies, baby gear, greetings cards, magnets and outdoor decorations, just to name a few.

“There is a lot more than just flowers and plants,” said Welscher. “We have gifts for all occasions.”

Mary Ann’s is frequently utilized for weddings. Not only does Welscher work with brides, in person or from a distance, to

organize flowers for their day, but the shop also offers rental options for vases, cupcake stands, card holders and table decor.

“Anything that is found in the shop, if they want to just have it for that day, they don’t have to buy it, but they can rent it for a small fee,” said O’Heron. “Anything in the gift shop is available for rent.”

Brides wishing to register at Mary Ann’s are welcome to come into the store and pick out whatever catches their eye. Gift wrapping and a Kodak kiosk for photo printing are also available.

“I usually put registry items all together in a section and, if someone’s looking for something for that bridal shower or that wedding, they just go to that section and pick out what they want,” said O’Heron.

Mary Ann’s Floral & Gifts sources many of its summer flowers from Heartland Blooms-nBerry farm just outside Caledonia. The shop also works with wholesale suppliers out of Rothchild, Wisconsin and Waterloo, Iowa.

“It’s one of those things that, it’s great once you get engaged and you start getting your location and everything, get a florist right away, because they do tend to book up,” said O’Heron.

Welscher concurred, stating “I do tend to book up.”

Sisters Aimee Welscher and Arien O’Heron operate Mary Ann’s Floral & Gifts in Caledonia’s heart on Main Street.

Under new ownership, Mary Ann’s added a gift shop.

Fresh cut flowers arranged by Aimee Welscher.

House plants at Mary Ann’s Floral & Gifts.

Mary’s Ann’s Floral & Gifts offers a wide selection of cooking utensils, baby supplies, greetings cards, flower arrangements, house plants and more.

From humble beginnings, Mohs now constructs his community’s future } }

By ANNIE HARMAN annie.harman@apgsomn.com

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure — a cliche that rings all too true for Scott Mohs.

It feels there isn’t much Mohs’ company — Mohs Construction, now Mohs Contracting and Mohs Home — hasn’t touched in Owatonna. Between multiple apartment complexes, the new downtown Courtyard by Marriott, the Community Pathways of Steele County expansion and more, Mohs has taken center stage in building Owatonna’s future.

But it all started small.

“Our first job we got when we came to town in 2006 was to build a trash enclosure for Fernbrook,” Mohs said. “I thought life was great — somebody trusted us to build something for them.”

The business, starting as Mohs Construction, was “labor intensive,” he said. At that time, Mohs himself was physically building whatever his crew was hired to do. The idea was to become a roofing and siding contractor, but — as it usually does — life had a different plan.

Eventually, Mohs was called back to Fernbrook in 2015 to help build their new facility, one of the first ever contracting jobs his company, which transformed into Mohs Contracting, was awarded. Quickly following that, he also was awarded the bid for Horizon Eye Care. When Park Plaza apartments was erected in 2018, that was Mohs’ entrance into the multifamily housing boom, thus resulting in another offshoot of his company — Mohs Homes.

“The company has developed and grown over the years, but we still have the same

fundamental values in place,” Mohs said. “Everybody’s project is important — we try not to lose focus on that.”

Now, Mohs is elbows deep in Owatonna’s future with two projects that are both longawaited and set to propel the community into another level.

On the corner of Cedar Avenue and Vine Street, Mohs’ team has been working tirelessly to gut out and completely renovate the former Jerry’s Supper Club building, making room for the upcoming Roma’s Italian Eatery. Stepping into the space today, one would never believe it was the same building that housed the beloved — albeit tight and dark — supper club.

“When we finish this, it will have been a fully redeveloped block we’ve been a part of,” Mohs said as he stood in the open design dining room with a mass of natural light pouring into the newly unshuttered windows. Next door to Roma’s is the new space of Old Town Bagel, which Mohs was also renovated for the popular breakfast and lunch spot. In addition, the space that once housed the bagel shop was also renovated so Lily and Rose Boutique could move in.

“With the hotel added on to that, this has all just been fulfilling a whole development for the downtown,” Mohs said, noting the Courtyard by Marriott on the block’s opposite end.

The owners of Roma’s Italian Eatery have said they hope to have the restaurant open and serving customers by mid-June.

One of the projects Mohs is most looking forward to, however, is the upcoming ASCEND project along the riverfront, something he will be taking on both as an owner of Mohs Contracting and a co-owner of Redline Development Group. The project is set

to completely develop the underutilized 300 block of Walnut Avenue into Owatonna’s first mixed use complex — including 70 luxury apartments, flexible commercial space and a new space for Mineral Springs Brewery — which will receive triple the floor plan from their current space in both indoor and outdoor seating.

Giddy with excitement for a project that

ing buildings this spring, and projected to be completed by fall 2024.

As the Mohs dynasty continues to grow, stretching well outside the Owatonna city limits into other community such as Mankato and Rochester, there is one thing Mohs himself says is far more important than building structures.

“We’re building stronger,” he said with a

has been in the works for nearly seven years, Mohs is quick to point out that it took a team comprised of many community players to pull it off.

“This took a lot of people and a lot of collaboration — a lot of working together had to happen to make this a reality,” Mohs said, adding there was a lot of work with the city of Owatonna, the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and a handful of private businesses and individuals throughout the community in bringing riverfront development plan forward. “Something like this doesn’t happen without everybody.”

Construction for the ASCEND project is scheduled to begin with demolition of exist-

smile. “That has a lot of meaning to us, but really we’re in the business of building relationships with different people. We can build a building for anybody, but a relationship has a lot more meaning — it gives it a solid foundation.”

“We have made the commitment to our community to build a strong community,” Mohs continued. “Everything becomes stronger when you have people working together.”

Reach Associate Editor Annie Harman at 507444-2378 or follow her on Twitter @NewspaperAnnie. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota.

Mohs Contracting is in the thick of finishing the renovation of the historic building located on the corner of N Cedar Avenue and Vine Street in downtown Owatonna. The final piece of the puzzle will be transforming the former Jerry’s Supper Club into Roma’s Italian Eatery, anticipated to be completed and serving customers by mid-June. (Photo courtesy of Mohs Contracting)

Scott Mohs’ company, Mohs Contracting, is in the middle of a long awaited renovation of the former Jerry’s Supper Club, soon to be the home of Roma’s Italian Eatery. Starting with a trash enclosure in 2006, Mohs has gradually moved up to be an integral part of building Owatonna’s future. (Annie Harman/southernminn.com)

Locally-based Redline Development Group announced plans to develop the 300 block of Walnut Avenue along the riverfront, constructing a six story, multi-purpose complex. The project, named ASCEND, will include the relocation of Mineral Springs Brewery and the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. (Photo courtesy of Redline Development Group)

By KRISTINE GOODRICH kristine.goodrich@apgsomn.com

Another specialty glass manufacturer is coming to Faribault.

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is relocating its North American headquarters to the SageGlass campus.

Currently based in Washington, company officials said Vetrotech will move into the underutilized second SageGlass manufacturing building in the Faribault Industrial Park. An addition to that building is planned.

“We have some space in our smaller building. So it made a lot of sense to have our Vetrotech business use the available space in that building,” said SageGlass Vice President and General Manager DJ Damberger. “We are going to expand a little bit as well.”

The move could bring around 20 to 30 new jobs in Faribault, according to Damberger. The number will depend on how many of the current employees in Washington decide to relocate.

Both Vetrotech and Sage Electrochromics — better known locally as its brand name,

SageGlass — are subsidiaries of the global France-based construction company SaintGobain. Vetrotech’s global headquarters is in Sweden.

The move to one campus for the North America operations will create opportunities for collaboration and improving efficiency, according to Damberger and Kirk Ratzel, director of marketing and sales for Vetrotech.

“Working together on one site will bring benefits to both companies,” Damberger said, through easier sharing of resources and potentially some employees.

The move was spurred by plans to upgrade the Vetrotech manufacturing process and Contraflam product, Ratzel said. While SageGlass manufactures electronically tinting “smart” glass, Vetrotech specializes in fire-resistant glass.

With the new facility in Faribault, Ratzel said manufacturing will become more eco-friendly and the final product will be improved.

“We’re introducing an entirely new manufacturing technology,” Ratzel said. “And therefore it was a time of reflection on where should we be manufacture products of the future. And it’s about finding synergy with

A lesser-used building on the SageGlass campus will soon become home to Vetrotech Saint-Gobain. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)

Sage Electrochromics and coming together on the same campus.”

Construction and equipment installation are planned to begin this summer and company officials hope to move by the end of the year.

the new facility late this year or early next year, company officials are optimistic there will be workers to be found in Faribault. Damberger said he already is seeing signs at SageGlass that the workforce shortage is easing.

reserved.

Vetrotech glass is a focal point of the ACI Jet Center in n San Luis Obispo, Calif. (Photo courtesy Vetrotech Saint-Gobain)

Business owner

Shorty Johnson

shares fervor for photography

By CARSON HUGHES carson.hughes@apgsomn.com

To many St. Peter residents, Shorty Johnson is the one you call when you’ve blown out a tire or need a fresh set of wheels. But the owner of Shorty’s Tire One has a passion for more than just fixing up automobiles. When he doesn’t have a lug wrench in hand, Johnson can often be found carrying a camera in pursuit of his other passion: photography.

Johnson’s proclivity for camerawork is little secret to regular customers of Shorty’s Tire One. Selftaken snapshots of wild horses, birds of prey and magnificent landscapes of Midwestern natural parks adorn the walls of the Shorty’s Tire One lobby.

The auto mechanic said

he always had an interest in photography and started taking pictures himself around 15 years ago when he bought his first high quality camera. Johnson is largely self-taught, having developed his talents through watching YouTube video tutorials and applying his skill in the field. Today, Johnson can be found capturing new photos every week.

“It’s kind of like someone going fishing or golfing or something, you’re always after the bigger, better thing,” said Johnson. “It forces you to travel, and with photography, you tend to look at things in a different perspective sometimes.”

In pursuit of the next big shot, Johnson regularly travels to places like the Gunflint Trail, Bear Head Lake State Park near the Boundary Waters and North Dakota’s Theodore

Roosevelt National Park. With just a camera and the bare essentials in his van, Johnson will spend several days immersing himself in the natural landscapes and looking for a good subject to shoot.

Many of the memories from these locations and other parks from across the Midwest are preserved in glass frames at Shorty’s Tire One. For example, visitors may see a picture of an island on Bear Lake that appears clouded in fog. But what appears to be fog is actually smoke from a forest fire.

From the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, customers can see shots of a gathering of bighorn

sheep and a picture of a lone wild horse running through a field. Johnson said there are around 50 horses at the park and can be usually found running in groups of seven to 10.

But it doesn’t take a vacation to capture a great photo. Some of Johnson’s favorite nearby places to get pictures of wildlife include Hallett’s Pond, Minneopa State Park and the hummingbird gardens in Henderson. And sometimes the best pictures come at times when they’re the least expected.

“There’s a little surprise around every corner,” said Johnson. “You might be driving down the road at

the Gunflint Trail or Hwy. 1 up north come around the corner and there’s a moose standing there and you;re scrambling trying to get a picture of them. Half the time it doesn’t work, but sometimes you get a little glimpse of them in there. If nothing else it’s an awesome memory.” Such experiences have taught Johnson to be attentive of his surroundings at all times. He recalled one of his luckiest pictures was when he captured a photo of a loon hatching from an egg in the

Shorty Johnson showcases his photography in the lobby of his local tire replacement business, Shorty’s Tire One. Johnson has been an avid photographer for 15 years. (Carson Hughes/ southernminn.com)

Shorty Johnson, owner of Shorty’s Tire One, displays his photography at the Arts Center of St. Peter. (Carson Hughes/southernminn.com)

By ETHAN BECKER ethan.becker@apgsomn.com

Anew venue for hungry Wasecans has just opened up in the city’s “entertainment district.”

Pepito’s Pizzeria, owned and operated by John Mansfield, opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, Feb. 8. It’s located at 308 S. State St. in the community’s downtown, nearby The Mill and Starfire event centers. It will soon be joined by an already running brewery.

Mansfield, a City Council member and owner of Ward House Brewery, said it was the culmination of a number of things coming into place.

“This all started a couple of years ago when I approached Canadian Pacific and asked if I could purchase the building,” Mansfield said, referring to the old train depot just a few blocks north of city hall. “We had Ward House on the other side of the block and were considering moving the brewery into this building, but then COVID happened.”

Mansfield said that the pandemic shut down his business, as he learned that he’d only be able to provide takeout or delivery services. It was then that he and wife Edita began discussing the possibility of a pizzeria in Waseca.

“We thought that, if we were to get shut down again, we could keep serving pizza and provide for the family,” Mansfield said. Thus, Pepito’s Pizzeria was born.

The “Pepito’s” moniker comes from a pizzeria Mansfield and his wife would visit while they were in Paris; Pepito was the head

PHOTOGRAPHY

continued from page 13

nest. He didn’t realize there was a loon chick in the nest until reviewing his photos.

“I was just drifting by this nest and the two loons were there and one was in back and one was sitting on the nest and I just started taking pictures and I ever even knew that was actually going on,” said Johnson. “It was a pretty incredible

Pepito’s Pizzeria adds to Waseca’s growing ‘entertainment district’

chef’s nickname.

“He was the nicest guy in the world,” Mansfield said, describing the chef as a “big guy” before revealing that “pepito” translates to “tiny.”

While making a pizza may seem easy, Mansfield knows that it’s the little details that make a meal truly special. That thinking is part of the reason the pizzas are cooked in a small, wood-burning oven, which was made and transported straight from Naples, Italy.

It’s also why Mansfield brought in Kristin Strand.

“As we were praying on [the pizzeria], God sent us Kristin. She’s an executive chef and has worked in kitchens for many years,” Mansfield said.

Mansfield and Strand met through church, a benefit of Waseca’s “faith-based community”, as Mansfield put it. After some conversations on the restaurant, and some working of the menu, Strand agreed to join Mansfield in the venture, taking over the cooking end of things.

“My specialty is brewing beer. That’s why it was such a godsend when Kristin came in. I’d say it was a match made in heaven between a brewery and a pizzeria,” Mansfield said. “We’ve got the best chef in the city. I don’t mean to brag, because we’ve got some great restaurants in the city, but we’ve got the best [chef].”

The menu offers a range of different pizzas in 12-inch and 16-inch sizes. The Verde Pollo has basil pesto sauce with grilled chicken breast, fresh diced tomatoes and a mozzarella cheese blend; Pig & Fig include rosemaryinfused olive oil, prosciutto, fig spread, ground black pepper, mozzarella cheese blend,

arugula and a drizzle of honey; Pepito’s is a red sauce pizza, with pepperoni green olives and mozzarella.

Of course, you can always just get the traditional pepperoni, sausage or whatever else with the build your own option. Pretzels with cheese and garlic cheese bread are also offered as sides.

The new pizzeria will take up roughly half of the space provided by the old train depot, with the other half holding the new location for Ward House Brewery. Ward House remains at its original location, 11 Elm Ave. W. in Waseca, until all details for its move to State Street are sorted.

While the pizzeria’s space proves too “pepito” to make room for a dine-in option, Mansfield said that customers who want do that can order from the eventual brewery side of the building and their order will be brought to them.

Mansfield believed one advantage of the new location is its inclusion in the growing “entertainment district” of Waseca, as he put it.

“It’s a great addition to downtown and to the people in the area,” Mansfield said. “You’ve got the Mill, Starfire and Club 57. It makes for a really nice event district for the city.”

Mansfield doesn’t hope to be the sole storefront that residents visit in the area, but instead hopes his pizzeria can become part of a growing Waseca community that utilizes all of its businesses.

“Hopefully people will stop off here, have a pizza and a beer, then maybe go get a mixed drink at Club 57 or see a concert or show at

the event center,” Mansfield said. “They can walk from one place to another, and I hope they do.”

Ethan Becker is a reporter for the Waseca County News. Reach him at (507) 333-3133. Find him on Twitter @Ethan_BeckerWCN or @WasecaNews.

PEPITO’S PIZZERIA

Pepito’s Pizzeria is located at 308 S. State St., Waseca. It is open 3 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, plus noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Pickup and delivery options are available. Visit pepitospizzeria.com for more information.

deal.”

Through his photography, Johnson prefers to take shots of flora, fauna, landscapes and architecture. The one subject he typically avoids is people. Animals tend to be better models anyway, Johnson noted.

“Typically they’re pretty polite and give you a nice pose every now and then that you don’t necessarily get out of people anyway even if they want their picture taken,” said Johnson.

In his 15 years of photography,

Johnson has rarely displayed his pictures outside of his home and Shorty’s Tire One. A few years ago he entered one of his works in a photo contest at the Grand Center in New Ulm and placed third, though he modestly chalked up the win to beginners’ luck.

But in the summer of 2022, Johnson was given the unique opportunity to display his work in the Members Art Show Gallery at the Arts Center of St. Peter. Johnson, alongside other members of the Arts

Center, was allowed to hang up two of his own works in the collaborative exhibition.

“It was really the first time I got out of the box and did something like that. Ann [Rosenquist Fee] at the Art Center down there did an awesome job helping me out and it was pretty successful I think,” said Johnson. “A lot of people showed a lot of interest in my photographs which is pretty rewarding when you can do something you really, really enjoy and other people like to sort

of participate in that.”

The reception was such a success that Johnson was motivated to register at the Arts Center to host a full-fledged gallery of his own. The auto mechanic estimated the gallery may be a year away, but in the meantime he can take even more photos to add to the show.

Reach Reporter Carson Hughes at 507-931-8575. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.

Owner John Mansfield, right, and Executive Chef Kristin Strand stand in front of the oven of Pepito’s Pizza. The oven came from Naples, Italy, considered the birthplace of pizza. (Ethan Becker/southernminn.com)

John Mansfield, the owner of Ward House Brewery in St. Peter, has now expanded with Pepito’s Pizzeria in Waseca.

By JOSH MCGOVERN josh.mcgovern@apgsomn.com

Coming south down Highway 57, onlookers might spot white letters spelling the word “coffee” on the side of a brick building.

Guests who stop in are welcomed to a warm embrace from the cold weather outside. Regulars take off their coats; newcomers are first greeted at the counter. The coffee is bottomless and the fireplace is warm.

This has been the scene for Area 57 Cafe for two decades. The Wanamingo cafe is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

Owners Ryan and Nicole Holmes recognized an opportunity after Ryan worked across the street at Nelson Electronics. Going against the grain, Ryan and Nicole thought Wanamingo could use a coffee shop. Both Ryan and Nicole loved coffee. Customer service was Ryan’s specialty, and Nicole was previously a nurse. Both had experience with helping others.

“We wanted something we could do together,” Nicole said.

On this stretch of Highway 57, the only restaurant was the bar across the street. The Holmeses wanted to bring another option to this side of town.

“We complement each other,” said Ryan. “They have burgers and things over there that we don’t have. We weren’t going to do the traditional burgers and fries, so it was met with a lot of skepticism initially.”

Area 57, like the notable Nevada Air Force Base that doesn’t technically exist on paper but exists to the naked eye, was the perfect homage for the cafe.

“It’s a coffee shop in town that probably isn’t supposed to be here, yet here it is,” Ryan said.

In the Wanamingo area at the time, there weren’t many places like it where customers go to the counter then sit and the food is brought to them. Typically, restaurants in the area remained traditional with servers.

Ryan and Nicole stayed true to their vision and Area 57 took off. The cafe brings in visitors from Kenyon and Wanamingo, but also neighboring towns. The cafe sees new faces, but it also has its regulars who have become family to the Holmeses.

The coffee shop owners have watched families grow through the 20 years they’ve been on Highway 57. In some cases, they know their customers better than family, because they see them every day. As time goes on, the Holmeses are starting to see new generations coming — people they’ve watched grow up and start their own families.

Most days the cafe is packed with regulars and newcomers alike. Ryan and Nicole stop by the tables to greet people they know and people they hope to know. They share stories and remember their usual orders. Nicole told the story of a young customer who struggled during the COVID-19 lockdowns. She remembered having a slice of pie each time she came to the cafe as a kid. When the lockdowns concluded, she came straight to the cafe to feel the comfort of home in the cafe and that slice of pie.

“We love this business,” Nicole said.“Treating people like family, that’s our whole goal. I just want them to feel like when they come in here,

they’re coming into my home. We try to make it homey and comfortable.”

“We enjoy people,” Ryan said. “I enjoy finding out their backgrounds and stories. What better place than at a coffee shop to learn about people?”

Family staffs Area 57. Ryan and his brother, Aaron, run the counter and take orders. Nicole is in the back cooking and baking with her daughters, Sophia and Victoria. Nicole’s mom runs the books.

The building was always a restaurant, but the previous owners struggled with the restaurant industry. They locked the doors and left one day. The restaurant was in such disarray that even the syrup bottles were left open and spilled. The Holmes renovated the entire building in a span of three months, then opened doors on Jan. 13, 2003.

Area 57 Cafe has won Minnesota Best Awards, a Star Tribune contest decided by customer votes.

“It’s nice to see that you have enough loyal customers that feel strongly enough they vote for you,” Ryan said.

While COVID-19 lockdowns crippled the restaurant industry, Area 57 Cafe thrived. Their takeout business boomed and got them through. Even then, their business was full of

surprises. Supply chain issues made it difficult to get takeout boxes. Some days they were different colors or made of paper, but the Holmes took what they could and rode the wave.

Catering has allowed the Area 57 Cafe to grow, especially with box lunches for businesses.

Entrepreneurship, much like customer service, runs in the family. Both Nicole and Ryan’s families operated several small businesses. Ryan’s father owned the Kenyon Auto Body until his death. Nicole’s parents owned Napa Auto Parts in Kenyon. Ryan, who is a Kenyon native, met Nicole when she visited the shop to help her parents. Together, they have seven children.

Area 57 Cafe has put employees through college, debt-free. It has kept families returning through its consistent hours, menu and warm welcomes.

“We are so thankful to the communities for the support we have,” Ryan said. “It’s just amazing to see people are willing to come over and eat here.”

“20 more years? 30? We’re just moving ahead,” Nicole said.

Reach reporter Josh McGovern at 507-333-3128.

Area 57 Cafe is a hotspot in the town of Wanamingo. (Josh McGovern photos/southernminn.com)

Ryan Holmes (right) and his brother Aaron welcome guests at the front counter of the popular Area 57 Cafe.

Area 57’s coffee sign is visible to drivers heading south on Highway 57. (Josh McGovern/ southernminn.com)

The coffee is bottomless and the fireplace is warm: Area 57 Cafe celebrates 20 years

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