Keith and Rhonda Yochem, owners of Kelly’s Koffee & Grill, made the difficult decision to close their popular local eatery effective Friday evening, Aug. 11.
What made the decision even more heartwrenching for the Pipestone family was that business was good –– ironically, too good, Rhonda said this morning, Aug. 12. They struggled to keep the 101 Eighth Ave. NE restaurant adequately staffed. Local wait and cook staff were students largely, with varying schedules. Rhonda said they simply could not find enough people who could work regular hours. Consequently, Keith was putting in 80-90 hours a week, an unsustainable work load over the long term.
In the best interests of the family, which includes their two teenage daughters, Lauren and Sara, they had to let their dream go.
“We put everything into it, but you get to a point where you only have so much more to give,” Rhonda said.
The couple purchased the restaurant from it’s namesake owner, Kelly Brinkmeyer, in June 2013.
Rhonda and Keith Yochem making one of their coffee drinks when they first purchased the business back in June 2013. Pipestone Publishing file photo
The Yochems thanked all their loyal customers for their support over the past four years.
On their Facebook page, where they made the initial announcement, there was an outpouring of support –– 58 shares, almost 70 comments and Rhonda said over 11,000 views as of Saturday morning, Aug. 12. People expressed their sadness and even offered to work for the couple to help save the business.
“We have had such good support,” Rhonda said. “That’s what makes the decision so horrible to make. If we are able to sell it, I hope people could come forward and be supportive. And we would certainly be supportive.”
Rhonda said they will almost certainly sell the business, but have yet to make any decisions.
The couple will redeem all Kelly’s Koffee gift cards if people bring the cards to the Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce between now and Sept. 15 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Chamber is located at 117 Eighth Ave. SE.
