Many new businesses struggle when trying to handle the expenses of opening and the challenges of building up a customer base. That can be particularly true for businesses in Eureka Springs with its seasonal economy. But since the Creekside Café opened Oct. 1 downtown at 55 Main St., the restaurant has been swamped.
“We never expected it to be this busy,” said co-owner Que Thomas, with Bobby Clayborn and Greg Caveney as partners. “Business has been excellent. We are very pleased with the amount of business we are receiving from tourists, as well as tremendous support from our locals – particularly people who work downtown.”
Bobby and Greg opened Creekside Coffee & Freedom Kettle Corn in the fall 2018. Creekside Cafe was added a year later after they brought on Que as a partner and cook.
“Que’s food is special,” Greg said. “We knew that from the beginning. He loves cooking and puts love into his food. The whole thing has been an adventure. This entire summer Que was right here working with us and bringing in examples of the menu and his ideas of what he was going to do. We all just got more and more excited to open up and get everyone here.”
The Freedom Kettle Corn operation is in a small hut near a gazebo that overlooks Leatherwood Creek. Kettle corn has to be popped fresh quite often, due to selling out.
And now the café has been added with inside seating and one of the best views in town. Often Leatherwood Creek is largely hidden from view because of the buildings on Main St. The Creekside Café has floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the creek.
Greg sometimes invites people in off the street just to see the view.
“I encourage people to go out there all the time because it is my favorite place,” Greg said. “It’s a nice getaway and break for people. We have been so excited to share the creek with everyone. People can come in even when it’s rainy or cold and enjoy a drink or meal and the view of the creek. A lot of the locals know they can come down on a nice rainy day and watch the rapids. You always hear the creek out there. I love it. It is the most peaceful sound. We have the real deal.”
Que is the former owner of Eureka Eclectic, an antiques store on US 62 East. When space became available next to the Kettle Corn, Que decided to do a café. So, he sold Eureka Eclectic to become partners on the Creekside Café. Que has experience in all areas of the restaurant business. He started out as a waiter and eventually became a manager at El Chico in Little Rock, and has worked in other restaurants, as well.
His homemade soups have been very popular. They generally offer two daily soup specials such as meat or vegan chili, garden vegetables and lentil soup. Many people are pleased at how affordable the menu is with a cup of soup or fresh garden salad for about $3, and a bowl of soup for $6.
“Soups seem to have become our specialty, especially among locals,” Que said. “We have many regular customers who own, or are employed by, downtown businesses. We have received many compliments regarding our quality, pricing, and atmosphere from those who work downtown. Some people who work downtown will come in every day two or three times for coffee.”
Greg said it makes us excited for the winter to have so many local customers. “To have so much of our business being locals has just been amazing,” he said. “And we appreciate the support and excitement that has been shown by everyone for us opening.”
Service is quick and friendly. The food is fresh and made from scratch with quality ingredients.
Sandwiches include Philly cheesesteaks, sweet Asian chicken on toasted hoagie buns, American club sandwiches, triple-grilled cheese sandwiches and – their most popular sandwich – the loaded tuna salad sandwich which is chock-full of Granny Smith apples, boiled eggs, dill pickles, and more.
Popular drinks include macchiatos, espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes. They also have several specialty drinks that are their own recipes or those suggested by customers. Popular holiday drinks include peppermint hot chocolate, caramel apple cider, eggnog latte and gingerbread Frappuccino™. Coffee drinks can be purchased hot or iced. Hot tea is also available.
The owners love to share their love of Eureka.
“It is the most amazing adventure, us moving to Eureka,” Greg said. “I couldn’t be happier. It’s great getting to see the visitors come in who are so amazed by our town, like I was when I discovered it. I like to share with people the special things that our town has to offer.”
Bobby and Greg were living in Kansas City, Mo., operating a Kettle Corn operation when their business partner brought them down to Eureka Springs.
“We just fell in love with it,” Greg said. “We saw the deck and gazebo for rent and thought: ‘What a great place to do Kettle Corn.’ During that first year, I was back and forth from Kansas City undergoing cancer treatment including chemo and surgery. This town is what kept me going. Things are going great, all because of the support we have had from other businesses and the town.”
When they first opened, that end of Main Street had a lot of vacancies.
“It took a while to let everyone know there was something going on in this end of the downtown,” Greg said. “Now everything is open around us, a bunch of shops. It gives people reasons to keep going down Main Street.”
Social media has been a big benefit to them. They already have 1,100 likes on their Facebook page. People check in to see what the daily specials are.
The business is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Wednesdays. The lunch menu is served from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (479) 709-CAFÉ (2233).