Upcoming closure of Page café provides food for thought

Starting Nov. 1, Page residents wanting to partake in a noon or evening meal or a grab an after-work drink, will have to take their business outside of village limits.

Dan and Jen Cunningham, who leased KC Bar & Grill from Page Development Corporation since November 2023, will not be renewing the lease when it expires on Halloween. The couple made the announcement via the café's Facebook Page on Oct. 3.

"We appreciate all the support we have received this past year and the people we have met throughout our time. Thank you, thank you, for the support and look forward to seeing you again in the next few weeks," the Cunninghams wrote.

To explore options, PDC held a community meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 16, with approximately a dozen residents, asking for input.

PDC chairman Kris Matschullat said since the announcement was made, no one had asked about renting the cafe.

Vickie Nicolaus expressed interest, noting she and a friend have discussed the possibility and are in the process of working through details.

"There's a lot of stuff we have to look into, but we are interested in the group would be interested in holding onto the situation until spring," Nicolaus said.

"That's encouraging," Matschullat said.

Nicolaus said they are exploring additional income streams for the café, including bakery and canned items and fresh produce.

"We're aware this isn't going to be a huge money-making thing. It's mainly for the community," she said.

Matschullat called for community input.

"We all want the café to be open," Diane Fox said.

Community member Vicky Harvey suggested notifying village residents about the importance of patronizing local businesses.

"It's ridiculous. There's enough people here, if they did use it ," Harvey said.

Matschullat said, "Whether you pursue the restauarant or let it go, our track record the last five years, we've had five different people try and it doesn't work. Do you keep beating your head against the wall?"

Nicolaus said she is hopeful they will be able to reopen the establishment.

"I want to give you guys that hope, but I don't want you to count on us completely and miss out on what you need to do for the community," she said.

Matschullat asked community members for a show of hands if they wanted PDC to pursue restaurant management.

All in attendance raised their hands.

Dan Sobotka said the board has the resources to "buy three or four months" until Nicolaus can make a decision.

"Its the only thing we're going to have left to hold onto knowing the difficulty it takes to run one. There isn't a line outside wanting this position," he said.

PDC board member Janaan Sobotka said it's possible to utilize the site as a community building, with rental available for family gatherings, baby or wedding showers or meetings.

Other suggestions included rental of the commercial kitchen to interested individuals for a per day rate.

Matschullat didn't feel PDC members had time to organize a schedule for kitchen-only use.

Utility services will be maintained by PDC.

"The building takes a lot of wear and tear. If you aren't careful, if you don't get good people in, it can be very expensive," Matschullat said.

The café's liquor license will also be current.

"It expires Oct. 31, but we will renew it," said Cindy Ickes, PDC member.

What happens if new managers can't be found?

Ickes said a decision will need to be made about potentially selling the commercial equipment and purchasing basic equipment for kitchen use when the facility is rented.

"We'll try our hardest to see it becoming a café happens," Ickes said.