New cafe finds a home in Pine Plains

PINE PLAINS — Years ago, two 13-year-olds met at a corner bus stop. Today, after 25 years of marriage, those “kids” are realizing their long-time dream of opening a family cafe. On Saturday, Jan. 14, Joe and Joann Herald, who have resided in Amenia for the past 16 years, opened The Country Kettle Café in Pine Plains. The Heralds hope to become an integral part of the community and offer its members a place to go and have a good wholesome meal, in an atmosphere that feels more like a dining room in their home than a restaurant. They accomplished their goal with affordable comfort foods, such as Joann’s ham and cheese omelets and handmade burgers (made with beef from local butcher Meiller’s); Joe’s fresh made fish-fry; desserts made by the couple’s daughters; and pieces of décor from their home.After spending 24 years in the U.S. Army, Joe retired from the military in January 2005. While he was away, Joann worked in restaurants and kitchens, gaining experience cooking for and serving large groups of people. She also spent innumerable hours cooking for her daughters and their friends.Having grown up cooking with her mother and grandmother and, subsequently, baking and cooking with her own girls, Joann has always viewed time in the kitchen as family time.Family is something that Joe and Joann are extremely passionate about. Working together as a married couple, Joe said, “I think we compliment each other. I’m an organizational freak, because of my military background and ... she can teach me how to relax and let things happen.” Their daughters are also eager to become a vital part of the process. This is especially meaningful to Joe, who feels that he missed so much of their upbringing during the times he was training and deployed. “Working toward a common goal is a great thing that we can do as a family,” he said.While they do have some concerns about opening a business in this economy, Joann said she believes that if they pass their goals and values on to their customers and get to know the members of the community, the business will thrive. Signs of community support have already begun surfacing, which reinforces one of the reasons the Heralds chose Pine Plains for their business’ location. They knew they were becoming a part of a warm and welcoming community.They also chose the location on the advice of previous owners, Jerry and Gina Heiser. When the Herald’s business landlord was looking for someone to lease the empty building, Jerry recommended Joe and Joann Herald. The Heisers, who will help out at the cafe on weekends, have offered tips on running a business and information about the community, which will help Joe and Joann create connections with their customers. It is because of this input that they will be able to offer what many in the community have come to enjoy, while adding a new twist.Part of creating that connection is having a name that will attract customers. Family, friends and history all contributed to developing a name for the cafe. The “country” was left in as a reference to the Heisers and the “kettle,” represents Joann’s “awesome soups, made from scratch,” which Joe said he believes are sure to be well-loved. After considering numerous ideas, it was one of their daughters who finally came up with the name, The Country Kettle Café. With thoughts of the future already growing in their minds, the Heralds are looking forward to someday passing the business on to their daughters. As Joann unhesitatingly said, “It’s gonna be just like home.”The cafe is located at 7795 South Main St., Pine Plains, and can be reached at 518-771-3222.Hours are: Monday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is ample off-street parking, table and counter seating and free Wi-Fi.