The sign signals a new owner and business name for a restaurant at 619 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. The number of cars in the parking area indicated curious customers.
Nana’s Cafe opened a month ago, on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, with service every day from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The owners–Mike and Paula Munther–and staff had worked until 2:00 a.m. that morning to finalize preparations for their anticipated customers.
Patrons were greeted by a clean interior freshened by vanilla paint; country decor; patriotic items for the Fourth of July, including fresh flowers dyed red, white, and blue. There were live cyclamens in the dining area and potted flowers in the entryway.
Kay Goodson took the four rustic photographs. “The Farmer’s Elevator and downtown [photos] will come. We want it to be friendly and welcoming to the community,” she explained.
Goodson and Paula Munther are responsible for the scrumptious desserts. One pie was so high, Goodson had to teach a young woman how to slice it. Dessert offerings have been expanded to include pie, cakes, brownies, and ice cream. Goodson added, “We’re going to be different all the time!”
Paula said, “I’ve worked all my life for everyone else. [This] opportunity came up. It’s everyone’s restaurant, not just mine,” she added in reference to her four daughters, cook staff, and servers who work there.
On July 3, after having been open 13.25 hours, with 2.75 hours before closing, there were 25 patrons of various ages enjoying supper. A male staffer said, “It’s been a crazy day!”
“[This is the] best food we’ve had in a long time!” exclaimed a customer on opening day. People continue to seek out Nana’s Cafe for a meal.
One reason is freshly-made food and sausage gravy (over biscuits.) On Thursday, August 1, Munther added 20 dozen ears of sweet corn to the menu, purchased locally from Russell Holesinger’s sons. Shaved off the cob and heated, it was fresh-from-the-field.
A second reason is the number of options. Everything can be consumed on site or carried out. There are five kid breakfasts and four kid menu items. Seniors now choose from seven specials. There are ten dinners and nine sides, creating endless variations of meals. A full salad bar, a meal itself, is included with the newest options.
- Thursday Buffet from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. At $8.99, choose from fried or baked chicken; fried or baked cod; plain or barbeque chicken.
- Sunday Brunch Buffet is all-you-can-eat for $8.99. Choose breakfast items; roast pork or baked chicken; mashed potatoes; vegetables; full salad bar. Meats will alternate each week.
“We like to build the burger or omelet” to suit people’s taste, said Goodson.
Mustang meals are also new–and huge. A $7.25 Mustang Platter contains a half-order of biscuits and gravy, two eggs, two sausage patties, and hash browns or American fries. There are Mustang Omelets ($7.75) and Skillets ($7.95), too.
A third reason for Munther’s success is the excellent new cook and staff.
“I appreciate all [the customers’] support,” she stated. “It will get better. We are trying really hard. [The staff] would do anything I asked them.” The training is working, she added.
A reminder from the owner: Please ask for a water glass. The ordered cups have not arrived yet, but are on delivery.