Caledonia Argus

Ivy Grove Cafe takes root in Spring Grove

Posted: 2/19/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Spring Groveís newest eating establishment, the Ivy Grove Cafe, is a bright and bustling place with large windows that look out on Main Street. Its owners, Tammy Diersen and Steve Schiltz, are thrilled with the brisk business the cafe is doing, and hope that it continues.

Tammy is a familiar face behind the counter in Spring Grove after operating the Ballard House restaurant for three years. Prior to that, she ran the kitchen at the former All-Phase Arena. Her experience at serving dates back to her high school days.

Because the Ballard House is only open part of the year, Tammy and Steve decided that they would like to have a place of their own. Steve spent 28 years at Northern Engraving and was most recently an apartment house manager. He didnít have any restaurant experience before starting this venture, but knew that he could learn.

Steve and Tammy bought the former Hillman Clothing Store building in June of 2001 and began the long process of remodeling it for use as a restaurant. The 1880s-era building has historical significance as it was originally the Mons Fladager store.

An architect came up with plans for the floor plan, which Steve and Tammy modified to suit their needs.

Steveís son, Kyle, and his brother Gary, did most of the remodeling work themselves, putting up sheetrock and finishing woodwork.

The most challenging aspect of the project was putting in the kitchen and making sure it was up to code. Tammy was used to the stringent state regulations, but it came as a surprise to Steve to see how strict they were.

On January 18, the state inspector gave his final approval to the facility and asked the pair when they wanted to open. Steve said ìRight now!î and started letting people in the door.

ìWe didnít even have change!î recalled Tammy.

Nonetheless, they let the customers in and they have been coming every day since.

The Ivy Grove Cafe is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are daily lunch specials, soup and sandwich specials, along with a complete selection of burgers, fries and sandwiches. A kidsí menu, which includes macaroni and cheese and hot dogs, satisfies the appetites of the younger crowd.

Dinner specials include steak on Mondays, chicken on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and fish on Fridays. There is also a Sunday dinner special.

There are also homemade desserts, sweets and ice cream treats such as malts and sundaes.

This summer, Steve and Tammy hope to open a patio for outdoor dining.

Steve and Tammy employ only family members at this time, and appreciate their support in the venture.

The name for the Ivy Grove Cafe just sort of came up while brainstorming ideas, said Steve. Once the name was mentioned, they thought ìThatís it.î They felt it fit the cafe perfectly.

There has also been a theme in the congratulatory plants Steve and Tammy have received. The cafe is now accented with many beautiful ivy plants.

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