Veteran KC restauranteur opens new cafe in Overland Park
Jerry Naster knows a little something about feeding Kansans. After spending nearly four decades as a butcher, beginning at sixteen, he has opened up three restaurants in the Kansas City area -- the Woodswether Cafe, Jerry's Cafe, and now the Original Cafe in Overland Park.
The three establishments shared signature menu items, and could be seen as essentially the same restaurant interrupted by retirements that were eventually abandoned.
Naster caters to Midwestern palettes with simple, hearty food served in plentiful portions. Signature dishes include plate-sized pancakes, omelettes that are humbly described as "colossal", a half-pound hamburger, and the pastrami-and-sauerkraut Rachel Sandwich.
Independently-owned businesses like the Original Cafe often have trouble reaching the public consciousness when competing against the national advertising campaigns of chain restaurants. Local print services, featuring old-school advertising techniques like flyer printing, can be a big assist.
The Original Cafe has a Facebook page and an independent website, which allows visitors to order carryout and delivery from the full menu. However, the main tool the eatery is using is the personal connection, which the Original Cafe achieves by putting its owner and chef front and center.
Having tried twice before opening up new restaurants each time, it seems Naster may never retire. For Overland Park residents looking for a filling breakfast or lunch, that means they are unlikely to go hungry.
The three establishments shared signature menu items, and could be seen as essentially the same restaurant interrupted by retirements that were eventually abandoned.
Naster caters to Midwestern palettes with simple, hearty food served in plentiful portions. Signature dishes include plate-sized pancakes, omelettes that are humbly described as "colossal", a half-pound hamburger, and the pastrami-and-sauerkraut Rachel Sandwich.
Independently-owned businesses like the Original Cafe often have trouble reaching the public consciousness when competing against the national advertising campaigns of chain restaurants. Local print services, featuring old-school advertising techniques like flyer printing, can be a big assist.
The Original Cafe has a Facebook page and an independent website, which allows visitors to order carryout and delivery from the full menu. However, the main tool the eatery is using is the personal connection, which the Original Cafe achieves by putting its owner and chef front and center.
Having tried twice before opening up new restaurants each time, it seems Naster may never retire. For Overland Park residents looking for a filling breakfast or lunch, that means they are unlikely to go hungry.