It’s fitting that the logo for Andie’s Cafe is a heart, because the business is all heart. For 30 years, Susie Kastella has run the tiny cafe next to the Classic Car Wash, originally with her grandmother and mother. Many customers have been coming since childhood and now bring their own kids. “We all help each other out when we need to.” Susie is still there most days, stepping in with an apron when an employee is out sick or has a class to attend. She donates meals for fundraisers and helps local teams earn money reselling breakfast burritos.
“My favorite part of the job is talking to customers,” she says. One of Susie’s favorite stories is a little girl who thought Susie lived at the cafe because she was always there in the mornings. Now, that little girl is grown up and brings her own children for breakfast before school.
Over the years, Susie has added a drive-thru and patio seating. Classic favorites like burgers, fries and shakes are offered alongside new items such as hearty salads and espresso drinks. When she retires, Susie hopes one of her employees will carry on the tradition and the heart of Andie’s Cafe so customers can continue to see a familiar face.
Story and photos by Priscillia de Muizon, Inkwell Story Studio.