‘For sale’: Lewis & Clark Cafe is closed, pending new owner
By Cheryl McCormack
Editor
"Best cheeseburger. Friendly neighborhood folks."
This anonymous online review says a lot about the Lewis & Clark Cafe, a staple in the Washburn community for quite some time.
After more than seven years as the owner and full-time operator of the cafe, Trudy Shoemaker is throwing in the towel – not to mention the apron, potholder, mop and broom.
"There are a lot of factors involved," she said.
A combination of the economy, trying to secure long-term, dependable workers and nearing the age of retirement were all deciding factors in her closing the cafe.
Shoemaker said, "I love what I do, but it’s been too much. My family (life) has suffered. My husband (Jeff) gets off his full-time job and then helps me with the cafe in the evenings.
