Main Street Cafe & Bakery isn’t just another eatery in Ankeny, Iowa; it’s a cornerstone of the community, built on family values and a passion for great food and exceptional service. Founded in 2014 by Bene and John Zehr, along with Bryan and Leigha Dullard, this local gem has grown from a small cafe into a spacious 8,000 sq ft restaurant, becoming a beloved spot for Ankeny residents and visitors alike.
From Humble Beginnings to Local Favorite
The journey of Main Street Cafe is a testament to hard work and family dedication. What started as a “small cafe in a quiet corner of Ankeny” has blossomed over nine years into a thriving business. In 2017, Brooke (Bene & John’s daughter) and her husband Ryan McCauley joined the team, bringing fresh energy and vision to help expand the cafe and secure a future retirement for Bene and John.
Like many businesses, Main Street Cafe faced its biggest challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic. The downtown Ankeny location had to close for two and a half years due to office closures and restrictions. However, through resilience and adaptability, they not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, expanding their operations to meet growing demand. This expansion, while a “good problem,” as they describe it, also presented its own set of challenges, all of which the Main Street Cafe team tackled head-on.
Their success story is rooted in a simple yet powerful philosophy: treat every customer like family and strive to provide an outstanding experience. While Ankeny boasts many dining options, Main Street Cafe distinguishes itself by delivering “good food in an extremely fast time” and aiming for the “best customer service” in the area. This commitment to speed and service has solidified their reputation as a go-to spot in Ankeny.
A Menu Crafted for Everyone
The menu at Main Street Cafe is a carefully curated selection that evolves with the seasons, changing 3-4 times a year to keep things fresh and exciting. Originally developed by the founders, the menu has expanded significantly since 2014, reflecting customer preferences and culinary trends.
The goal is simple: “to offer something for everyone, keeping in mind it needs to be fast, fresh, and quality.” Whether you’re craving comfort food or a lighter option, Main Street Cafe has you covered. Fan favorites abound, with soups and salads consistently topping the charts. The Turkey Bacon Avocado Melt reigns supreme as the most popular menu item, closely followed by the flavorful Baja Rice Bowl. Mac n cheeses are another crowd-pleaser, offering creamy, cheesy goodness. And when the weather warms up, the salads and wraps become especially popular choices for a refreshing and healthy meal.
Close-up of Main Street Cafe's delicious Turkey Bacon Avocado Melt, a popular menu item in Ankeny, IA
But no visit to Main Street Cafe is complete without indulging in their baked goods. “You can’t forget about our baked items either!” they emphasize. From cookies and bars to slices of decadent cakes, everything is made from scratch in-house, ensuring the highest quality and irresistible flavors. These sweet treats are the perfect complement to any meal or a delightful indulgence on their own.
Display of freshly baked cookies and pastries at Main Street Cafe & Bakery in Ankeny, Iowa
Family First: Balancing Work and Life
As a generational family-owned business, Main Street Cafe understands the delicate balance between professional and family responsibilities. Managing a restaurant open from “6 am to 9 pm 7 days per week” is no easy feat, but they’ve found a way to thrive thanks to a strong support system and a dedicated team.
They credit their “great team of managers” and “hourly staff” who genuinely care about the family, the customers, and the overall success of the cafe. This dedicated team allows the family to maintain some semblance of work-life balance, even though they admit it’s “tough to completely let go of the operation.” The trust they place in their team is crucial to their ability to step away, even for short periods.
During particularly busy seasons or times of staff turnover, the family leans on their extended support network. Brooke’s parents, Ryan’s mother, Brooke’s aunt, and friends all pitch in to help watch their children, demonstrating the true meaning of family support in action.
Cultivating a Culture of Feedback and Growth
When it comes to developing a strong business culture, Main Street Cafe believes in constant feedback and high standards. While acknowledging that there’s no “one size fits all approach,” they’ve found a system that works for them. They foster a culture of open communication where feedback, both positive and constructive, is regularly exchanged.
Interior view of Main Street Cafe Ankeny, showcasing its welcoming and community-focused atmosphere
Ryan emphasizes the importance of a “two way street” when it comes to feedback. He encourages his team to “call me out if I could be doing something better,” and in turn, he provides regular feedback to employees to help them improve. This commitment to continuous improvement, while sometimes leading to employee turnover, ultimately strengthens the team. They believe that employees who embrace feedback and strive for excellence are invaluable assets.
This focus on feedback stems from a deep-seated frustration with subpar customer service. During new employee orientations, Ryan makes it clear that “every single person in here is the one paying you, not me.” This customer-centric philosophy is ingrained in their culture, emphasizing that taking care of customers is paramount to their success.
Ankeny & Metro Area: A Place to Call Home
Both Brooke and Ryan are Ankeny and Des Moines natives, and their love for the area shines through. They’ve witnessed the metro area’s impressive growth and are “proud of our local community and to be a part of it.” They appreciate Ankeny and Des Moines as “great places to work and live and raise families,” citing the strong sense of community, local support, convenient access around town, and the renowned “Iowa nice” attitude of its residents.
The increasing diversity in the metro area is another aspect they value. Main Street Cafe strives to reflect this diversity in their menu, aiming to “have something on our menu for everyone and enjoy serving people from all different types of backgrounds.”
Exterior of Main Street Cafe Ankeny, located at 2510 SW White Birch Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023
Wisdom for Aspiring Business Owners
When asked for advice, Main Street Cafe’s message is clear: “never stop learning and growing. Be able to adapt.” They highlight the ever-changing nature of the business world and the importance of continuous reinvention and redevelopment to stay relevant. They also stress the value of communication and understanding within a team, encouraging business owners to “talk to your coworkers and employees. Find out what makes them go.”
Ultimately, their advice circles back to their core philosophy: “No matter what industry you are in – take care of your customers!” And finally, they offer a powerful piece of wisdom for anyone considering their career path: “If you aren’t passionate about what you are doing in life you should look for something else.”
Main Street Cafe & Bakery at 2510 SW White Birch Dr #1,2, Ankeny, IA 50023, invites you to experience their family-friendly atmosphere, delicious menu, and exceptional customer service. Visit their website at https://mainstreetcafeandbakery.com/ to explore their menu and learn more about their story.
