There had always been a
small restaurant at the “Corner” in Riverside, Missouri, but before 1983 it had changed names and hands several
times. Many of the locals wanted to see a return to the old style cafe that had existed there years before and was an icon of its time (Reese’s Cafe). They had never been in the restaurant business before, but always felt they knew what good food was all about. It began on May 15, 1983,
when they opened a little 40-seat cafe that served breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday. The CORNER CAFE was born. There was a lot of learning in those first couple years. New items were introduced as daily specials written on the front windows and inside on the chalkboard. The counter became the center of the action. “The Riverside Liar’s
Club” took up the large round table by the counter and became the place to be to find out all the local happenings in town. It didn’t take long for the locals to notice. Then, as word spread, more and more people
would call, asking for directions. It was obvious that expansion was needed. First the weekends, then dinner, then two expansions that doubled the seating. For many
it became a home away from home . . . it was like an extended family. People would come in every day, some several times a day! People would bring in pictures and items to hang on the walls, and they shared their lives with us as we shared our livelihood with them. The original cafe had occupied a location that had lasted
more than 50 years as a restaurant. It was painfully obvious that modernization was needed. Careful consideration was taken while designing the new CORNER CAFE. They
had to make certain that they didn’t alienate the longtime customer, while trying to attract new customers. The new CORNER CAFE opened on December 6, 1994, built on the traditions of the original. The fireplace came
from the foundation of the old family farmhouse. The windmill came from their father’s farm. The pictures on the wall tell about their family history as well as that of Riverside and the surrounding area. The counter, the round table, the food, the service were all fashioned to re-create what people had come to expect from the
original restaurant. Today, we continue the traditions that started back in 1983. With new locations open and more on the way, we
strive to provide the best products, the best service, and the best value in an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of the family.
