Local restaurant welcomes new owners

November 1 marked day one for the new owners of the iconic Minnie's Cafe in Thompson Falls. Daniel and wife Marlaina Moore have lived in the area for five years. He came in wanting to keep the integrity of the restaurant intact; the only imminent change was to get back to the seven days a week of operation.

While Moore may be the new owner, he pointed out that it's general manager Kristie Brown who is running the show. Brown has been a key employee for five years, Moore stated. She is a native Montanan, a mother of four, grandmother of two and has resided in Thompson Falls for 36 years. Brown shared that Minnie's has been a significant part of her life; both her mom and older sister worked there and now her 16-year-old daughter, Kailey is waiting tables. "As a general manager, it's still important for me to wait tables because these people are my family," Brown said.

Brown has a long history of leadership roles in the community. She was an assistant director at Spring Creek Lodge Academy, the manager at the Naughty Pine Saloon and has an associate degree in counseling. "I'm a natural born leader - Let's go! Let's roll!," said Brown.

Another core member of the Minnie's team is cook Tess Shuttles, the kitchen manager, who has been with Minnie's for 11 years. She's a crucial part in keeping the full menu available any time of the day. "It's a good family here, the camaraderie and teamwork make it a great place to work," said Shuttles.

Moore said that before he bought Minnie's he knew he needed both Brown and Shuttles on the crew. "I focused on creating a service based management culture by serving the people doing the work, by valuing employees. My role is to help keep employees successful," he said.

"This is my baby," Brown said. She's excited about the opportunity and freedom to implement her visions. One of those is being able to provide delivery service to those in need. Minnie's merchandise is another project that may be coming down the pipeline.

As far as keeping things the same, both Moore and Brown shared that they highly value their community and patrons. The last two years have been rough for the business and Brown thanks their loyal customers for helping them pull through. "I'm here to ensure the future of Minnies, to keep the community's trust and be a place they can count on," shared Brown. As a manager she's doing just that. She said that people who wished that clam chowder was available not only on Fridays now have the opportunity to get it another day.

Former owners Myles and Missy Sexton also incorporated a fly fishing guide business into Minnie's, but that will no longer occur with the Moores taking over.

"Been coming here for six years now, usually every day. I like that they're open seven days now," shared longtime Minnie's patron Bob Sink. Sink has some of his paintings displayed in the back room.

The Moores also own the Black Bear Deli, Coffee Shop and Bakery, the Black Bear Hair Salon, Call Center and Black Bear Construction. Moore said that with the addition of Minnie's they currently employ over 50 people. Moore is the chairman of Thompson Falls Main Street Inc., a charter to improve the quality of life for Thompson Falls residents.