The saga of the Sixth Street Cafe continues.
Formerly known as Cafe on the Square and located at the corner of Seward Street and Highway 15, the restaurant closed at the end of July to move to its new location one block north.
“We figured a couple days to move, and they were the hottest days,” owner Tyler Bockoven said.
But the planned opening of a new space came to a screeching halt. The company hired to finish the hood system in the kitchen installed them incorrectly.
“It messed up so many things,” owner Chelsey Kosmicki said. “We had to restructure the whole project.”
“This was not what we envisioned,” Bockoven added.
Kosmicki went through all the receipts and ended up getting some of the money they had spent on the project back.
“Now we pay attention to all the invoices. It’s been a learning experience,” she said.
It also pushed their planned opening back by at least a month.
“We were hoping to be open by the holidays,” Kosmicki said.
Kosmicki said they found a new company to do the system, but it requires customized ductwork, which is currently being done.
“Once that’s put up, we’re days away,” Kosmicki said.
Bockoven, who does the cooking, said they have had the equipment for a bigger kitchen, just not the space.
While the restaurant has been closed, the staff has been helping each other with outside expenses. The wait staff is also on standby for when the doors open – no one has quit, Kosmicki said.
The staff has joined forces to prepare the new space – painting, decorating and furnishing. Bockoven built the bar, as well.
“The best is seeing the support through the community, our family and friends,” Kosmicki said. “So many times, we were done. But people reached out with inspiration.”
She said the kind words and generosity from community members have helped the staff keep going.
From the time they decided to expand to a new space until, hopefully, they reopen has been about three years.
“Nothing goes smoothly,” owner Audra Jensen said.
They were able to provide some catering services during the downtime, thanks to the kitchen at Squire Ward’s. Jensen said a lot of people have also bought gift cards.
All three owners said they wouldn’t have gotten through the challenges without the help of the building’s former owners, Carey and Alyssa Hendrix.
“I want to be a person to others like Alyssa was to us,” Kosmicki said.
“The tutelage and help with the project have been a game changer,” Bockoven said.
All three are tired of sitting around with nothing to do and are anxious to open the doors of the Sixth Street Cafe to the public.
“I’ve waited tables since I was 15,” Kosmicki said. “I need a schedule.”
Once the doors open, the cafe will have its same hours – every day 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. except opening at 7 a.m. Friday and Wednesday through Friday 5-8 p.m. Bockoven said there would be small changes to the menu, but their traditional favorites will be available.
He said he’s looking forward to trying some new things for the menu.
Once they’re back to normal, they plan to expand their catering options and their menu. The restaurant itself has gone from 35 chairs in the corner location to about 70.
A party room will allow larger groups a separate space to meet.
Parking will be available on the north and east sides of the building.
“We are trying our best to get open,” Bockoven said.
“We are so ready,” Kosmicki said.
