New Marion cafe plans to serve up more than food
Open house with Santa is Dec. 23
Staff reporter
Barbara and Larry Smith want their customers to have a unique dining experience at their new café, Country Lakes Café, located at 216 East Main, Marion.
"We'll offer a unique decor and an exciting place to come and eat," said Barbara Smith.
The "uniqueness" is still being worked out but the owners are planning to provide a wholesome, family atmosphere while their customers dine.
No stranger to the food service business, Barbara owned and operated The Lunch Shack in west Newton for the past three years. The Newton business was a carry-out dinette that served sandwiches.
"People would come from all over town for my reuben and philly steak sandwiches," said Barbara. She said customers also came from as far away as Halstead and Hesston. And she's hoping to draw that crowd to Marion.
"My customers in Newton are eager for the café to open," she said. "Wherever I go, I'm asked, 'Is it open yet?'"
Why Marion? The Smith family has been staying at Marion County Park & Lake for the past 20 years.
"Larry and I were taking a walk around the lake recently, enjoying the fall colors and the ducks on the water when Larry suddenly said 'Let's move to Marion'," Barbara recalled.
They looked at available buildings in the downtown district and "fell in love" with the 1886 building on the corner of Main and Second streets.
Barbara liked the location and the unique style of the building. She also is intrigued by its history.
"This building used to be a buggy shop, laundromat, hardware store, veterinarian office, plumbing store, and used clothing store," said Barbara.
She asked Larry if this building could be converted to a restaurant and he thought it probably could.
The couple hired primarily local contractors to practically gut the interior of the building and start over.
"Everyone have been so great to us," said Barbara. "Marion Chamber of Commerce, city administrator, president of Marion National Bank, and our neighbors (Stone City Café and Zimmerman's Deli and Coffee Shop)."
It's been a challenge for the couple and they aren't going to be able to open as soon as they would like but are pleased with the results.
New wiring and plumbing were among the items replaced in the century-old landmark.
Opening day for the restaurant is planned for Jan. 3. For now, the hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Sunday. The café will be closed Saturdays during wrestling season.
"Our 12-year-old grandson wrestles at Maize on Saturdays and we haven't missed a tournament yet," said Barbara. When the season is finished, the café will probably be open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays.
They also are willing to be open for special occasions — wedding receptions, proms, sporting events, and birthday parties.
Marion County customers will have a chance to see the place during an open house from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 23 when Santa Claus will visit. Treats will be given to children, and cookies and drinks will be served.
When the restaurant opens in January, there will be 19 sandwich varieties available at noon time. The sandwiches will include side dishes, dessert, and a drink.
A variety of meals will be available in the evenings.
Barbara plans to work out front — greeting customers and making them feel at home. Larry plans to help behind the scenes. The couple plans to hire four or five additional employees.
The name of the establishment, "Country Lakes Café," was decided through a poll of friends and family.
"We wanted the name to depict the lakes and the fact this is a country community," Barbara said. "So we narrowed it down and called people we knew and asked them what they liked. The winner was Country Lakes Café."
Cleanliness and quality food are important to Barbara.
"My motto is, 'If I don't want to eat it, then I don't serve it'," she said.
In addition to the contemporary decor, a friend of Barbara's, Connie Rhodes, has painted six murals that will hang on two walls in the cafe. Three murals on an east wall depicts country scenes and three murals on a west wall, lake scenes.
Newton natives, Larry is retired as manager of E&H Phone and Heartland Bedding, both of Newton. Barbara used to work in accounting and wanted a change when she opened her carry-out business in Newton.
"I enjoyed the business because I enjoy people," said Barbara.
The couple has four children and nine grandchildren.
Their house in Newton is for sale and eventually the business owners will move to the Marion area.
The couple is planning a few surprises for their customers that they don't want to reveal quite yet.
"We are so excited to be a part of this community," said Barbara. "We want this to be the best little café on this side of the Missouri River."
