A Place To Call Home

I’ve had the privilege of living around the country, from Louisville to DC to Utah to Olympia, WA, to St. Louis, MO. In each location, there is a common denominator—I find a place to call home. 

• In DC, it was Baked & Wired in Georgetown.
• In Utah, it was Beans & Brew in Draper (that’s important)!
• In Olympia, it was Ember Goods.

Missouri has a few places. But for this blog, I will name Uncle Bill’s. 

My husband and I found Uncle Bills during a time of great stress. We were both neck deep in graduate school, we had looming health conditions brought on by COVID-19, and we were living in a new city without family or friends nearby. One day, Trent came home from school and said his professor recommended a restaurant called Uncle Bill’s. His professor said they had the best breakfast and we just HAD to give it a try. That weekend, we gave it a visit, and mannn, a gift of warmth was given to our hearts (or should I say bellies). 

Opening on the pothole-ridden Kingshighway in South St. Louis 63 years ago, Uncle Bill’s is a staple to the community. With their generous serving of fluffy pancakes topped with whipped salted butter, perfectly scrambled eggs, crisp yet juicy bacon, and nom-nom hashbrowns, we quickly understood why this breakfast was a must-have.

With fair prices, dedicated staff, duck-taped booths, and a line that is always out of the door, Trent and I knew we found a special place—we found a place to call home. A place to rest. A place to talk with customers who have been coming since the 80s. A place to appreciate the regulars who eat there daily at “their table.” It was home. 

Trent and I ate at Uncle Bill’s one final time last weekend. After 63 years, the staple is closing and the end of an era is here. We waited in line for a table for an hour and chatted with people around us. One woman shared that Uncle Bill’s was her first job at 16. Families were smiling. No one cared about the wait. Everyone was just excited to be there. 

A place to call home.

A place to escape.

A place to just be. 

Because of places like Uncle Bill’s, Baked & Wired, Beans & Brew, Ember Goods, and so many more, Lem’s Cafe was given the opportunity to be born. So many people, so many establishments around the nation welcomed me, welcomed us. And that is what Lem’s Cafe will be. Now a mobile cafe, and when you visit, you can expect a warm smile, welcoming spirit, and delicious coffee. And as we grow, you will be at the heart of the journey. 

Thank you Uncle Bill’s. And thank you to the business leaders who cultivate places to call home.