SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — You won’t find Rosie Warner cooking up her signature meat loaf or homemade pies. Today, it’s hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill with a side of hugs.
“Thank you, no, no, you got to settle for a hot dog today,” said Rosie as she hugged customers as they came in the door.
That’s because after 41 years, Rosie’s Cafe is officially closed and this is her send-off. Rosie says she won’t miss getting up at 4:45 every morning, but she will miss customers who’ve become her friends.
“Oh, I can’t put it into words Tom. It’s just amazing. And I can’t believe it’s gone this fast. 40 years is like ooh, I don’t know where it went , but they’ve been wonderful years,” said Rosie.
“We will miss you Rosie!”
So many people showed up that they ran out of food and had to get more.
“I worked for the South Dakota DOT, the retirees come here every Thursday and I’ve been coming here over 11 years,” said Robert A. Rock.
“I worked for the state too, and we got started coming here and we just kept coming,” said Tom Stowsand
“Just knowing everybody, I’ve already hugged three or four people and I’ve been coming here for as long as she’s been here,” said long time friend Jan Karpen.
“The food’s been wonderful and it never changes they are always friendly and always recognized everybody and it’s been fun to be a regular.” Cheryl Beier
“She put a smile on everybody’s face, everybody here was family and plus to top it off the food was fantastic,” said Steve Beier.
While Rosie is winding down, Daughter Beckie is gearing up. Instead driving from Chester every day she will be opening “Rosie’s Farm House Cafe” in Chester where she lives, with the same home style menu these loyal customers have come to know.
“I hope she has as much memories and fun and good luck as I’ve had,” said Rosie.
Rosie’s Cafe may have closed its doors, but if this goodbye party is any indication, its warmth and its legacy are already on the road to Chester.
Rosie says she will stop in to help her daughter at the new cafe from time to time. So far, there is no opening date for Rosie’s Farm House Cafe in Chester, but it will be soon.
