Where can you go in Kenyon to get tacos, sandwiches, salads and hot dogs? Well, just ask the Lunch Ladies, and they will show you what they've got for you! Far from a traditional sandwich shop, Melissa Bolton is proud to say that if you want it, and it fits in the oven, she's up to trying to make it for you.
Melissa was, you guessed it, a lunch lady at the Kenyon/Wanamingo elementary school, rising to the top to be the head cook. For the past 8 years, she has been called the "lunch lady" by the kids she served meals to on a daily basis. "I stayed in that position because I love the kids", she said. "When the school consolidated to be just in Kenyon, I had to think about what I want to be when I grow up". While she loves to cook, she wasn't sure if going to work in the new school location was where she wanted to start fresh. The more she thought about it, she realized she wanted something of her own that she could do with free reign, and be creative. She talked with her husband Wade Nygaard, who owns his own business, and then heard that Fresh Bites was going to be up for sale, and they made the decision to buy the business from Barney. Wade's parents Tom and Shelly Nygaard agreed that this would be the best move for Melissa, and a new chapter begins for Kenyon.
Now she had to hire some help to get the ball rolling. Her daughters Olivia and Karlee, along with their friend Talya and Missy, who was also a Lunch Lady with Melissa at the school will be on board to serve you.Since this is a family business, there will be times when the hours may be different, just so you have a heads up. Family first! Oh and you don't have to be a lady to apply!
While I was waiting to interview her, people kept coming in, so I decided to ask one of the customers who was waiting what she thought of the new place. Becki Berks said,"I wish Melissa all the best. Congratulations on taking a leap of faith, and I know you will make it great!"
The first thing she put in the new menu is breads baked fresh on site for the sandwiches. From there, she asked around town what people would like to see on the menu, and added hot dogs. Then there were those who like to come in and grab a taco (or two) to go. On to more healthy options, Rice Bowls that you add in the ingredients that you want will be available as a special occasionally, and bagels with cream cheese got in the mix. "We make it fun", says Melissa. "You can have jelly on your bagel, or a nice creamy Brie cheese spread".This winter as the temperatures drop, you will find a revolving selection of hot soups to warm you up from the inside out. How about comfort food, like hot dishes and goulash? Like she said, if it fits in the oven, she is willing to give it a try! Just give her your ideas, and she will see what she can do to make your dream dish come true!
Next on the agenda..... freshly ground coffee beans for those of you who like to get together with your friends and chat over a fresh and steamy cup of coffee paired with a cookie or two. She invites you all to make this a meeting place to relax and visit with friends. Eventually she plans to add breakfast to the menu. too.
When there are sporting events happening in town, she can serve the players a snack after their events, staying a little longer to serve our athletes. She also has a tv on for the littles who like to watch Scooby Doo and other programs while they eat. She is hoping the kids who know her as the Lunch Lady will bring their parents and siblings in to have a bite and say hello.
Melissa wants to give a big thank you to D & S Signs in Kenyon for all the help with her banner and the tee shirts for the crew! I love that! Small towns businesses working together! And while we are acknowledging helpful people, she would also like to give a big thank you to Barney Nesseth, friends and family in the community for helping her to make her dream come true!
For now, her hours are 10:30 to 7pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:30 to 5pm on Saturday.. Be sure to get your thinking caps on, and see what you can come up with to challenge Melissa's creativity, and be a part of this new venue! And of course, tell her Cheri sent you!
