Driving through Wanamingo, you have to really pay attention to the buildings on Main Street, or you may miss something. Some businesses have been there for awhile, and some are newer, but they're all quite unique. One of my favorites is celebrating 20 years of serving the folks in our community this month.
Area 57 is a soup and sandwich style small cafe with desserts that keep you coming back for more! Area 57 is a name with a play on words. Just like Area 51 in Nevada is in a location that you may not see as you drive by, finding a "Minnesota Best" cafe in a town with only 1100 people is rare. Owned and operated by Karen Masters and the Holmes family, it's a place that makes you feel like you are also a part of the family!
Seating about 50 patrons, most meal times will find you hoping for an open table. The first time I went in for a bite to eat, it was so full that I started up a conversation with 3 local women. I asked, "Must be pretty good food here?". They chuckled and one replied "Always eat where the locals eat". Hmmmm, Could that be the slogan for this charming cafe?
Well, the ladies were correct. The food was excellent! And then I tried a dessert...Oh MY! I can see putting on twenty pounds with the dessert alone!
Twenty years ago, Ryan Holmes was doing a job for his employer, Nelson Electronics, when he fell off a roof and broke both legs. He spent 6 months sitting at his desk, looking across the street at the old Wanamingo Cafe. It had been closed for about 18 months, and aside from Ringo's Bar, it was the only place to eat in town. So Ryan had the idea to purchase the building and open a restaurant. He talked to his wife Nicole, and they decided to look into it. Nicole's mom, Karen Masters just happened to be a realtor at the time, and she negotiated a contract. The rest, as they say, is history!
Area 57 employs 25 locals, from high school students to Grandma Cora, who is 88 years young. This fact makes it one of the larger employers in town. They have been awarded the Minnesota Best award for the second year in a row. This contest is sponsored by the Star and Tribune in Minneapolis. A restaurant will be nominated, and must place in certain categories to be voted on by it's customers. Area 57 placed in 9 categories this year!
You can tell you are in a special place when you walk in the door. Nicole decorates the whole cafe for each season, and her goal is to make it feel like home. A Norwegian word to describe her style is Hygge ...... cozy, comfortable and warming to the soul, and believe me, you will feel it!
They also cater outside events and after hours parties at the cafe. One special event coming up is Valentine's Day. There will be a special menu and you can dress up fancy if you like, but more so, be comfortable. There will be two separate seatings, one at 5 pm and one at 6:30 pm. Please call ahead for your reservations.
Ryan and Nicole love this community and want to thank their customers and friends for their continued support. Congratulations, Area 57 for 20 wonderful years of serving your community!!!
