Kelchen’s Kafe treats community to breakfast and more

     It’s been almost a month since Kelchen’s Kafe opened on S. Main Street in Monticello.

   Shelly Kelchen and her daughter, Nicole Reyner, bring their 20-plus years of restaurant experience to the family operation.

   “This was something I’ve always wanted to do, open a bakery and coffee shop,” said Kelchen. “it’s been my vision.”

   Kelchen’s Kafe serves breakfast and sells home-made baked goods throughout the morning hours, 5 to 11 a.m., Monday through Saturday.

   Kelchen enjoys being in the kitchen, cooking breakfast for their customers. Reyner stays busy serving customers and manning the carry-out window as people pull up for their morning coffee or breakfast pastry to-go.

   Speaking of pastries, Kelchen’s also partners with Mission Cup (Jenn Jones), serving some of her baked goods and cold brewed coffee.

   “I frequently visited Mission Cup,” admitted Kelchen.

   Kelchen also makes enough to fill their case every morning. Their baked good include muffins, scones, coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, and more.

   You can also order food for dine-in or carry-out. The Kafe offers breakfast meals, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and wraps, all made-to-order.

   “We use fresh ingredients,” said Kelchen.

   For those preferring a light morning meal, there are also sides or options for the “not so hungry.”

   Kelchen also added breakfast items she enjoys herself, such as the spinach and mushroom omelet.

   “It’s one of my favorites,” she said.

   Over the past five years, Kelchen said she seriously started considering opening her own café, waiting for the perfect location to open up.

   Before The Jitney opened in downtown Monticello on E. First Street, she even looked into that building.

   “I didn’t want to lease anything; I wanted to own (their building),” she said.

   The Kafe’s location, 138 S. Main St., housed Fancy Fritter and Mission Cup Coffee over the recent years. Kelchen said she kept on eye on the place and when McDonough Real Estate recently had it for sale, she jumped at the opportunity.

   Some renovations were needed inside and out before they could open for business. A second countertop was built near the drive-through window. Kelchen also brought in additional kitchen equipment, as well as tables and chairs.

   Kelchen’s Kafe can seat just under 40 people.

   Outside, they just replaced some older cement work in the parking area.

   “There really wasn’t a lot to do,” Kelchen said. “It was more waiting for equipment to get here.”

   Since they opened, the community reception has been nothing but positive, and it keeps Kelchen and Reyner busy.

   Only being open half the day allows Reyner to be home when her two kids get out of school or to attend a school event or function.

   “I am all about family and tradition,” Reyner said. “Family comes first.”

   That’s also why they are choosing to be closed on Sundays.

   “It’s a day to spend with family,” added Kelchen.

   Reyner said it’s a nice change of pace from working seven days a week.

   As for the name of their restaurant, Kelchen shared she had other ideas in mind, but after checking with the state, some of those names were already in use elsewhere in Iowa.

   “I like ‘Kelchen’s Kafe,’” she said proudly of the unique name.

   Having a carry-out/drive-through window is an added bonus. Having kids herself, Reyner said it can be a hassle, especially in the winter, getting your kids in and out of the car to stop for a morning treat. Kelchen added that it’s a nice convenience for folks.

   While you’ll see Kelchen and Reyner most often working hard at the Kafe, Kelchen’s son, Travis, lends a hand on Wednesdays. She also has two part-time employees working Saturdays.

   As the holiday fast approaches, Kelchen’s Kafe is also selling gift certificates.

   You can reach Kelchen’s Kafe at 319-465-5233.