By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The new cafe in Ellinwood is coming along at Code 3 speed. In first responder parlance, that's the step beyond urgent and involves lights and sirens. Named 10-39 Cafe to honor first responders, restaurant co-owner Brittney Bailey said the expected opening date for the new business is May 6. The group of owners has already expanded services.
"We purchased Extreme Ice and it's now going to be called 10-39 Treats," she said. "We're going to add ice cream. So we'll still have ice snow cones but we'll add ice cream to it. It will run basically the same way it used to. We will be truly seasonal. We're going to add some seating outdoors behind the snow cone shack so you can enjoy your treats."
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 cafe won second prize at the Ignite Rural Business Competition put on by Great Bend Economic Development last October. With the People's Choice vote, the business won $35,000.
The owners have completely renovated the building at 104 E. 1st Street in Ellinwood. Indoor seating should accommodate approximately 28 patrons, and a covered outdoor patio will serve approximately 40 patrons. Bailey said the cafe will have a cereal malt beverage license, and the plan is to convert the space between the cafe and 10-39 Treats into some kind of game zone. Ahead of the May opening, the group plans to host some soft openings in April.
"You'll be one of the first to be able to dine at 10-39," Brittney said. "We want your honest feedback if you come to one of those soft openings. We want to serve the best food possible. We want it to be great quality."
Bailey is asking for groups of 15-20 people to sign up for the soft opening. 10-39 Cafe will be open seven days a week when it officially opens, with lunch and dinner options. The owners are still taking applications for cooks and wait staff. Contact Christopher Sieker or message the cafe on their Facebook page to apply or inquire about the soft opening opportunities.