Ken Croft isn’t about to fool with the success of the traditional food and atmosphere of Wesner’s Grill. Since buying the business four years ago, the only change he’s made is to add a catering business.
But in spite of the success of the down-home Wesner’s Grill, Croft knew Benton County has other tastes, too.
His new business, Jack’s Java and Cakes, will serve a different style of breakfast. While Wesner’s — located on the corner of Chestnut and Walnut — will still be serving up biscuits and gravy and bacon and eggs, next door pastry chef Bea McChristian will be creating unique pastries and custom decorated cakes.
“ We won’t have any donuts here, ” McChristian said as workers put the finishing touches on the new bakery.
“ It’ll have that European flair, ” Croft added. His goal is to offer only pastries that aren’t available at the supermarkets.
McChristian learned to bake in Germany, so strudel may be on the menu at Jack’s, along with other German pastries and Black Forest cakes. She can make a German chocolate cake too, but that’s not really a German recipe, she said. It was a man named German who first baked that cake, she explained.
McChristian will share the ovens with Wesner’s, but she plans to bring the cakes into Jack’s when it’s time to decorate. Customers will be able to watch her work while they sip specialty coffees, flavored teas and smoothies. She can decorate a cake for any occasion, including weddings.
McChristian puts her own spin on traditional recipes and has developed some of her own. Since moving to the Rogers area, she has worked at the Market at Pinnacle Point and a country club in Johnson.
She plans to offer a build your own cheesecake, so customers can choose their favorite crust and toppings.
“ I can’t wait. I’m ready, ” McChristian said as the interior of Jack’s Coffee took shape last week. Display cases, a coffee bar and a small seating area were already in place. Wireless Internet will be available.
The opening of the new business was planned for Oct. 14.
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