Ask Kevin and Kurstin Harris, owners of local breakfast nook The Chef, what they strive to do everyday, and you’ll be met with a simple but all-encompassing answer: “Make people happy!”
With personalities as sunny and bright as S. Fourth Street in the early morning when the doors to their café open, the Harris’ seem like the optimal owners to run this early morning eatery.
Originally opened in 1943, The Chef was a place where “Manhattanites packed into the undersized café,” notes its website. Today, it rings truer than ever. Just drive by on a Sunday morning and you’ll see a line of people waiting to be served.
The Chef closed in 1986, but was reopened by the Harris’ in 2008. Located at 111 S. Fourth Street, Kurstin said they felt that “downtown Manhattan needed a fun, bright breakfast place,” so a more modern vibe was introduced, while still keeping the original sign.
With popular items such as Breakfast Burrito, Fajita Scramble and the Buenos Dias Frittata, odds are guests will find a favorite morning dish to start their day.
Kurstin contributes her success with the K-State community to the home-cooked meals and feelings The Chef provides. As fun as college can be, many students may find that at one point or another, Ramen noodles just aren’t cutting it and will miss a good home-cooked meal. The Chef would welcome any homesick students with open arms and full plates, and Kurstin cheerfully exclaims that “guest happiness” is their number one priority.
“Yeah, it’s pretty great,” Ashli Cummings, sophomore in anthropology, said. “I’ve been there a few times. It’s really relaxed with a homey feel.”
Whether you’re an early bird or a late riser, The Chef is open to accommodate just about any sleep schedule. Open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Chef gives students a chance to stop by no matter how bizarre their sleep schedule is. And if you’re still feeling a little tired, no worries. They have coffee.
The two owners couldn’t be more thrilled at winning the Best of Manhattan Purple Apple Award for Best Breakfast. Kurstin exclaims sunnily that they both felt “wonderful” when hearing about the recognition.
In the future, according to Kurstin, guests can expect even “more good times.” This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows The Chef’s mission to “Provide great food at a value and have fun while doing it!”
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