By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Progress continues on a new cafe in Ellinwood. Earlier this month, 10-39 Cafe won second place and $30,000 at the Ignite Rural Business Competition put on by Great Bend Economic Development. The restaurant won another $5,000 as the People's Choice Award winner, and co-owner Brittney Bailey said that's something the ownership group can hang its hat on moving forward.
"People's Choice Award is probably what we're most proud of," she said. "Ellinwood came out and supported us with great numbers. I think it was right at 62 percent of the vote. It was kind of a landslide on that side of it. We were just excited Ellinwood stepped up for us. They're obviously excited to have a cafe."
Bailey, Ellinwood's EMS director, is joined by her husband and Ellinwood Chief of Police Chance Bailey, Chase Fire Department Captain Jarett Mermis, and part-time EMT Audrey Mermis on the ownership team. The group selected the name 10-39 Cafe - a code that represents an emergency response with lights and siren - as a tribute to first responders. They were one of 28 local businesses to enter the Ignite contest.
"It was a super intense competition," Brittney said. "We've really been going at it for about five months between our application process, the videos you have to shoot to get in, and the continual things they add along with that; a very detailed plan and financials. It was an awesome experience."
Bailey said the $35,000 in prize money for the competition will go very fast, but work is already underway at the former Magneto Repair building located at 104 E. 1st Street in Ellinwood.
"It's pretty much an empty shell right now," she said. "Everything is going to be new, so new HVAC, new electrical, new floors, obviously a kitchen and a place for dining. We're really excited about the outdoor patio."
The group will continue to look for staff, but the restaurant has hired Christopher Sieker as its manager and backup cook.
"We're super excited to have him," said Bailey. "Chris has been in the restaurant world for a really long time. He's also a native of Ellinwood. He's back and he's excited to run a restaurant here."
The group hopes to have the restaurant up and running by the end of May or in early June of next year, but definitely before the 2024 After Harvest Festival begins. They hope to be open seven days a week with tentative hours around 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with breakfast hours on the weekends.