For more than half a century, the Gateway Cafe has been a fixture in Wykoff — a place where neighbors gather, stories are shared, and regulars slide into their usual seats. But under the cafe’s new owners, Jennie Moreland and Mary Aakre, this small-town treasure is in the middle of a delicious revival. With a mix of cherished traditions and fresh energy, the Gateway blends comfort food, a touch of history, and a whole lot of heart.
The story of the cafe’s rebirth is as unique as the pair behind it. Moreland, who has called nine states and three continents home and ran a large catering business in central Texas, found herself drawn to Wykoff by chance.
“I’d never even heard of Wykoff,” she laughs. “But when Mary showed me the building, it just kind of called to us. I thought, ‘Oh wow, this is darling.’”
Aakre, who has decades of experience in kitchens, had worked alongside Moreland at an assisted living facility in Byron. But eventually, they wanted to find a new opportunity. Taking a leap of faith, they purchased the cafe on August 9, 2024, and officially opened the doors just three days later.
The Gateway Cafe has been a staple in Wykoff since the 1960s, but its history dates back even further. The building is said to have started out as a pool hall during the prohibition, and Moreland and Aakre have discovered fascinating details, like a speakeasy hole. The building also still boasts its original countertop and charming twirling seats, a favorite for kids.
Moreland and Aakre’s goal is simple: serve great food and be part of the community. The cafe offers breakfast and lunch daily, with popular specials like Salisbury steak, Reubens – which often sell out, beef tips and soups made fresh daily. Fridays are a special treat, with expanded hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and a menu featuring fish, shrimp and ribs. The Sunday brunch buffet, which has quickly become a community favorite, offers a rotating selection of dishes, anchored by Aakre’s famous biscuits and gravy.
In addition to their in-house menu, Moreland and Aakre are also offering catering services, which has become a growing part of their business. Covering a 30-mile radius, they cater everything from breakfast spreads to formal dinners, such as filet mignon. Their smoked meats, prepared with a newly installed smoker, have already gained a loyal following.
“Catering and smoked meats are my thing. There isn’t really anything we can’t cater,” Moreland says, though they require at least 10 days notice for most events, funerals being the exception. Orders can be placed via phone or their Facebook page.
“We’re really excited to expand the catering side of our business,” Moreland says.
Running the cafe has not come without some hurdles.
“Working in this kitchen is a challenge,” Aakre admits with a laugh, referencing the small, aging space.
“We’re dealing with lighting pilots and old equipment,” she adds.
And then there are the surprises, like harvest season, when lunch business nearly disappeared.
But the rewards far outweigh the hurdles.
“I’ve never seen the kind of community support we’ve experienced here,” Moreland says.
From customers who have sat at the same table for decades to flowers and poinsettias brought in by patrons, the cafe continues to be a cherished part of Wykoff life.
For Aakre and Moreland, the journey is about more than just serving food — it’s about creating a space where people feel at home.
“We’re not trying to change the world,” Akre says. “We just take it one day at a time and give people what they want.”
When To Go
The Gateway Cafe is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch, with the breakfast portion of the brunch being served from 8:30-10:30 a.m., followed by the full buffet from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Catering inquiries can be made via the “Gateway Cafe” Facebook page or by phone at 507-352-4221.