By Katrina Vander Kooi
Sue Gruis has received comments from visitors around the United States about the Coffey Haus, and now the shop has been promoted in a travel book.
The book is titled "Tastes of Minnesota" and was written by Donna Tabbert Long. It includes restaurants and cafes from around Minnesota as well as recipes from some of the places featured.
"Donna and her husband were here during the all-school reunion." Gruis said. "She came in and talked to me about the book."
Gruis was surprised at the honor. "I never thought anything like that would happen."
Here is a section from "Tastes of Minnesota" by Donna Tabbert Long:
"Bright, friendly, and casual, a stop at the Coffey Haus is worth a trip for anyone who loves a well-made sandwich, a cool glass of ginger peach iced tea, and a slice of pecan pie, hot out of the oven.
The small storefront, across the street from the Palace Theatre, belies the spacious step-back-in-time room that awaits: black and whiteÐchecked floor, high tin ceiling, and shelves with a collection of tea kettles and teapots. Glass jar lamps filled with coffee beans sit atop the green-tableclothed tables."
The section goes on to talk about the food and desserts at the restaurant and gives the address and number for the establishment.
Gruis' shop has also been featured in many other articles, including one in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. The article focused on Blue Mounds State Park, and listed the Coffey Haus "as a pleasant place for lunch." Gruis became aware of this article when a customer from the Twin Cities pointed it out as his reason for stopping.
Sue Gruis' dream became a reality when she started the restaurant almost five years ago. "It's someplace for everyone to come and feel at home," Gruis said.
She remembers many stories about customers stopping by. "A couple came in a few years ago and danced in our open area. They were engaged and were just passing through. Last summer, the woman and one of her friends came back and told me how they got married. We made a connection, and that was a special thing," Gruis said.
Gruis feels the atmosphere of the cafŽ could not be complete without the customers, and employees. "They all make it work." The Coffey Haus is located on 11 East Main across from the Palace Theatre.