Rock Rapids cafe known for cinnamon rolls
By Renae B. Vander Schaaf
agripen@live.com
Date Modified: 09/25/2012 10:56 AM
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Shari's Kitchen and Catering
Hours: Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for breakfast only. Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for brunch.
Location: 207 South Story, Rock Rapids, Iowa
Telephone: (712) 472-4609
Cinnamon Rolls: $1 each and $9 per dozen
Hot beef sandwich: $6.50 served every Friday
ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa — Shari Knobloch's career in the restaurant industry began in Rapid City, S.D., when a fitness business asked her to begin serving breakfast. Soon after that, a second request for her catering services was made by a real estate firm.
Knobloch left Rapid City for Alvord, where she purchased a cafe.
It didn't take long and customers were requesting that she prepare roast beef and other items for their events. Soon the business was too big for its location. To expand, Knobloch pulled up stakes and moved to Rock Rapids.
The business found a home in a former grocery store and the building was shared with another business. Knobloch's portion of the building was remodeled to fit her needs.
"I wanted the cafe to look like home," said Knobloch. "That when people come in, they immediately feel comfortable, relaxing to enjoy a meal." The wall hangings, which have a Victorian theme, actually came from her home. The decor changes with the seasons.
It's the place to be for customers who want a cup of coffee and breakfast. A predictable crowd of farmers show up every morning for good food and good conversation. Once a week a group of couples travel from nearby George to fellowship together over breakfast.
Cinnamon rolls are made fresh daily. The breakfast fare offers eggs and toast, French toast, and pancakes. Biscuits and sausage gravy is often requested.
Dinner is different everyday, except on Fridays. On that day customers know the special will be roast beef sandwiches served with mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable of the day and dessert. A menu also is available.
Saturday morning features only breakfast items. The Sunday brunch is served buffet style. It includes both breakfast and dinner entrees. Knobloch said egg bake, biscuits and gravy, meat, potatoes and vegetables are often served.
Many catering events fill up the evenings, especially now with seed plot suppers are going on. Shari's Kitchen and Catering sells meals directly at business locations two days a week.
Shari's also offers decorated cakes for weddings and other special occasions.