Food, family and friends

Here in North Dakota, there are few things better than the charming nature of a small town.

It's one of the qualities many North Dakotans are most proud of, and for some towns, it's something they're trying desperately to hold on to.

As the years go by, rural communities have struggled more and more to retain the local fixtures that provide that elusive charm, and many have lost them entirely.

But some towns, like Grace City, N.D. with its population of around 50, are still holding on to their charming local fixture – the kind that holds their community together with a warm environment and excellent service.

The Schoolhouse Cafe has been a staple in Grace City for decades, serving delicious homemade food and providing a welcoming place for area residents to get together.

The community-owned establishment began as the Sunflower Cafe back in 1965, and was located near the elevator in town.

When the local school later closed in 1991 as the Midkota School District was formed, the cafe eventually moved into the old school's cafeteria – and was of course renamed the Schoolhouse Cafe.

Ever since, the establishment has gone on to earn widespread recognition as one of the best places to eat in the area.

"We mostly feed the farmers and the harvesters, because our community is mainly farming," said Lisa McCracken, a Schoolhouse Cafe board member. "And so it's a place where they can come in and have lunch, and on Sundays they can come in after church and enjoy the buffet with their families.

"It's not unusual to come in here on a Sunday and see three generations sitting at one table," she added.

A big draw for many of the cafe's regulars is that the food is homemade, including their delicious desserts.

As the Independent interviewed several employees and board members at the Schoolhouse Cafe for this article, one customer chimed in just to say how great the food is.

"This is the best place to eat around for 50 miles," he said. "By far."

He also expressed his appreciation for the generous serving sizes, saying you can often leave with a plate of leftovers from the Schoolhouse Cafe that's larger than an entire serving at other restaurants.

"If you can't get full here it's your own fault," another customer added.

The Schoolhouse Cafe's homemade food is also enjoyed by many outside their community, such as hunters from across the state and the country.

Norma Matt, who's worked at the cafe for around a decade greeting customers and providing much of the cafe's warm environment, said there are out-of-state hunters who've come to know her over the years because so many choose to eat at the cafe each hunting season.

"I really enjoy the people," said Matt. "Like the hunters and all those that come in year after year."

Those that have already been to the cafe know that they offer just about anything you could want from a charming small-town establishment.

Their current menu includes all the classic cheeseburgers, sides, sandwiches and baskets for those looking for a good lunch, as well as nearly a dozen delicious breakfast options. There are also daily lunch specials, as well as a buffet every Sunday and a taco bar every Thursday.

But that's hardly all the Schoolhouse Cafe has to offer, as they've become much more than just a great place to enjoy a homemade meal.

Being 18 miles from the nearest grocery store, the cafe also offers grocery items for people to stop by and purchase, and they prepare the senior meals three times a week for seniors in Grace City, Glenfield and McHenry.

"We also have meeting space for larger meetings," said Austin Johnson, another Schoolhouse Cafe board member. "So a lot of us down the road at the elevator or fertilizer place will meet here if we have a big group of people."

McCracken added that they host many receptions and events every year, such as the annual Memorial Day celebration, and that they even do catering for local funerals.

With so many great services, the Schoolhouse Cafe is helping hold this small community together, and no one disagrees with the importance of keeping something like that around town.

"We've gotta have it, it's just so important to have this hub in our town," said Rayette Lyman, a cook at the cafe who's been working there off and on for around 20 years.

"We have to have the people of the community support this place, that's the big thing," added McCracken. "If this did go away it'd be hard to find something comparable."

As is the case for many small-town businesses, finding employees is often the toughest challenge to overcome.

Many in the area may have heard that the cafe's long-time cook of around 30 years recently retired, causing some to worry about the cafe's future. However, they managed to find a local resident, Katie Goertz, who was willing to take over the head cook position, and McCracken said the Schoolhouse Cafe isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Nevertheless, the struggle of small, rural communities like Grace City doesn't appear to be going anywhere either, making it critical to continue supporting establishments like the Schoolhouse Cafe.

McCracken said they're always looking for more cooks and other help, and those interested can give Austin Johnson a call or text at (701) 650-6849.

Those looking to support the cafe can also take part in their raffle, which includes a number of cash prizes. The drawing will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10; to purchase a ticket get in contact with Johnson or call the cafe at (701) 674-3128.

Perhaps the best way to support the cafe is to simply enjoy their great food and charming environment. The cafe is located at 309 City St. in Grace City, and they're open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers can also order food over the phone for pickup.