New Owners at Café 116
January 2016
Take three women, add solid experience, longstanding friendship, and a love of fresh, wholesome food, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a great restaurant.
It’s a recipe that is already proving to be a winner for Bonnie Chirrick, Dena VanCantfort and Tiffany Kaae. The three took over ownership of Cafe 116, at 116 Lithia Way, just last month.
The cafe has been in its current location since 2012. When it became available in December 2015, Bonnie, Dena and Tiffany jumped at the opportunity.
“For several years now, we have been in search of a business opportunity that would allow us to work together and be our own bosses,” Dena said. “We came across Café 116 and felt it had a lot to offer.”
Cafe 116 serves locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks, and made-on-the-premises breakfast and lunch daily from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The three new owners have been busy putting their own unique touches on the cafe, in a town that holds a special place in their hearts.
“There was a lot to build upon,” says Bonnie. “We are thrilled to be in downtown Ashland within a community that we love. We want to offer a place where people can come together to enjoy great coffee, real food and each other.”
Café 116 offers fair trade, organic coffee roasted locally by Griffin Creek Coffee Roasters. All foods served at the cafe are made on site, notes Tiffany. “We make and bake all of our breakfast, lunch and pastry items in our upstairs kitchen, from our coffee syrups to our granola, bagels and croissants, scones and cookies, to our quiches, soups and deli salads.”
All three of the new owners grew up in Southern Oregon. Bonnie and Tiffany met in elementary school in Ashland and connected with Dena (who is from Klamath Falls) at SOSC (now SOU). They have been good friends ever since.
The three have decades of experience in hospitality and customer service among them. They have held operations, management and marketing roles at locations that include the Grotto in Talent; the Mark Anthony (now the Ashland Springs Hotel); the Britt Festival; Shop-n-Kart; a couple of top global travel management companies; and a nonprofit organization (Dogs for the Deaf).
Cafe 116 will have an open house on January 16, and the community is invited to attend. The cafe will soon add mimosas, beer and to the menu, offer live music, and participate in First Fridays and other special events.
For more info, the phone number is 541-488-6414. You can see their website at cafe116.net, and you can like them on Facebook.