Work

“The name evokes memories of a warm hug and a home-cooked meal in Grandma’s kitchen,” says Emma Krumbees restaurant general manager Leesa Dibble. The idea for the restaurant was born when Phil Morris, who was familiar with the restaurant business, realized there was potential in the location between Mankato and Minneapolis along Highway 169 in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. The name was gleaned from a church cookbook and Emma Krumbees, established in 1979, has become a favorite family dining spot.

When Emma Krumbees opened, the restaurant employed 50 people. Since then the popular breakfast, lunch and dinner location has expanded considerably. There is now an Emma Krumbees location in Wausau, Wisconsin, and a third in Albertville, Minnesota. An apple orchard with 10 different types of dwarf apple trees has been added to the Belle Plaine location as well. The orchard boasts a pick-your-own pumpkin patch; a greenhouse that includes annuals, perennials, apple trees and herbs; a fresh produce farmer’s market; rhubarb, blueberry and raspberry patches and new hydroponic pick-your-own strawberry fields.

The Belle Plaine location has been expanded to include a general store with more than 10,000 square feet of shopping including unique gifts, home décor and hard to find old fashioned candies. Fizzy’s soda fountain offers gourmet coffee, hand dipped Cass-Clay ice cream, 10 different varieties of homemade fudge and a large assortment of baked goods. There is also a full service floral shop located within the general store.

Emma Krumbees has grown to be such a family attraction that in September and October, an average of 40,000 people pass through during the Great Scarecrow Festival. The number of employees grows to 300 to accommodate the scarecrow contest and other fun fall activities.

While Emma Krumbees has grown to be much more than just a restaurant, the food still lends to the appeal of the business. The restaurant is known for its comfort food including a baked chicken dinner that evokes memories of family Sunday dinners shared together around the table. The chicken dumpling soup is a menu favorite, and can be ordered every day of the week. The restaurant is a great place for people with a sweet tooth, as Emma Krumbees baking staff make all of their desserts in their restaurants and bakeries, including pies, cakes, brownies, cookies and bars. Two favorite sweets are the giant cinnamon rolls and caramel pecan croissants.

Because Emma Krumbees has become such an extensive operation, each day presents new experiences and challenges. The restaurants offer seasonal and regional specials, alongside traditional favorites. The general store is often used to host luncheons, teas and holiday events. Emma Krumbees is open seven days a week, all year-round, “so there’s always a project to plan for,” Leesa says.

While Emma Krumbees has become a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike, it remains primarily a family business. Phil and Mary Jo Morris are still actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Several of their children have served as full-time employees, and in the fall when the festivities are in full swing, “It is all hands on deck and the whole family gets involved and helps out.”

Phil Morris has transformed his vision into a successful business and grown Emma Krumbees into a wholesome family dining experience offering much, much more than just food. It is the perfect place to “get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a great family outing.”