Knife and Fork Cafe opens downtown
Downtown Hollister dining includes a new option in a familiar
location.
The Knife and Fork Cafe opened late in June at 650 San Benito
St., the site of the former Main Street Bistro.
Knife and Fork Cafe opens downtown
Downtown Hollister dining includes a new option in a familiar location.
The Knife and Fork Cafe opened late in June at 650 San Benito St., the site of the former Main Street Bistro.
Located in a bright corner of the Klauer building overlooking a colorful mural reminiscent of a vintage fruit box label, the cafe is located between Sixth and Seventh streets.
While the location is familiar, there’s much that’s new to the cafe. The interior walls are bright with fresh paint, and the debut menu bears its own distinct stamp.
Owners Sheila and Bob Stevens are new to the restaurant business, but they are a familiar presence on Hollister’s main drag. Sheila Stevens is the proprietor of She’s clothing boutique just a few doors down, a San Benito Street presence for 16 years.
The Stevens’ may be new to restaurants, but they know what they like. That includes sitting down to a relaxing meal and some conversation.
Even though counter service is available, “we’re putting more emphasis on dining in,” Sheila said. “People can go in, sit down and someone will serve them. I think having someone wait on you is nice.” Appropriate to the name, tables are set with cloth napkins and proper silverware.
The menu continues to take shape. Garlic french fries and sweet potato fries recently made the lineup. In addition to a half-pound burger and a lineup of hot dogs, the cafe features some less traditional fare. Turkey cranberry sandwiches are served on croissants. Salads include fresh mixed greens topped with grilled fresh salmon. A shrimp Caesar is expected to be added soon, Sheila said. But the menu is sure to change. “What doesn’t work will go out and something new will come in,” she said.
The cafe has 14 tables, but the Stevens’ hope to add tables outside in the future.
The cafe currently employs seven. “Some of them are girls who have never worked before,” Stevens said. “They’re training now and they’re wonderful.”
Stevens acknowledged that opening a cafe in a soft economy, in a location where others have not found the recipe to success, is a challenge. Stevens sees it as a vote of confidence in the downtown district. “I’m really enjoying it. It’s fun. You have to have patience and you have to be there. I like business so I’ll work hard at this one.”
Prices are in the $7-$10 range. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for lunch. The cafe also opens around 8 a.m. for light breakfasts. The cafe staff also does catering. Phone is 636-2952. An application to serve beer and wine is pending.
