Neighbors Cafe is a small restaurant, opened by Shelly and Cameron Wiggins in 1997. It may not stand out visually, but it is certainly a big hit around McPherson, KS. The cafe serves not only breakfast but also offers a lunch menu followed by a delicious dessert.
In February of 2021, Natasha McNett bought Neighbors Cafe. McNett says “I worked for Shelly before owning the cafe, and it was always a fun environment.”
McNett had been a waitress for several years and owning Neighbors was the next step to success.
Saturday mornings are Neighbors’ busiest time of the week. They work very hard to ensure everyone has a seat and is satisfied with their visit.
McNett keeps track of sales on just pen and paper. “I’m old school, it’s all just in the back of my mind.”
Taking over the cafe wasn’t an easy job. It had many complications, failures, stress, and much more. When speaking with McNett, she described it as “an easy decision, but a hard purchase.”
Going from a waitress to an owner is a significant change; from rushing around and picking up tables left and right to a way larger responsibility.
“Cleanliness is the biggest and probably the most important when it comes to responsibilities as well as keeping prices logical and reasonable,” said McNett.
Ava Youngblood, an employee at Neighbors Cafe, has run the register for nearly four years now.
Youngblood’s daily responsibilities include seating customers, picking up empty dishes off tables, refilling coffee when necessary, and running the register.
The environment in the cafe is very desirable and heart-warming. Youngblood says, “I enjoy coming into work and seeing customers full of joy and happiness.”
Youngblood started her first job as an employee at the cafe in grade 7. She was excited to work with her mother and a couple of other family members, and to “finally be able to make money and not be broke anymore,” she said.
With as many options as the cafe offers, Youngblood’s favorite is the veggie omelet. It consists of ingredients such as omelet mix, spinach, tomato, mushroom, cheese, peppers, and onions. They have plenty of other breakfast items and a scrumptious lunch menu.
Neighbors Cafe provides great service by making sure that your cup of coffee is never empty, tables are always picked up, and you are satisfied with your visit. Youngblood says, “We are sure to bring coffee refills whenever we can, and as often as possible.”
The prices are very reasonable and you certainly pay for what you get. It is very well priced, and they give large portions of their delectable food. A big hit at the cafe is the famous biscuits and gravy. The fluffy fulfilling biscuits topped with the creamiest gravy is such an astounding combination.
With McNett taking over the cafe, there have been a few changes, but the environment is still the greatest part overall. Stop by Neighbors Cafe any chance you have, you won’t be disappointed.
