Vinduskas open The Chipped Cup Caf in Lincolnville
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Small towns survive on people who are willing to operate a business not so much for the money but to provide a service to the community.
Joe and Tish Vinduska of Lincolnville are a good example. In addition to operating Pilsen Packrats, an auction business, they have operated a convenience store on Main Street since the grocery store closed 10 months ago.
Now they have found another way to support themselves and their community. They have leased the former Tammy's Café located along U.S.-56/77 in Lincolnville and renamed it, The Chipped Cup Café.
The building stood empty for about three and one-half years. It currently is owned by Pilsen State Bank.
The Vinduskas opened the modern diner April 7. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Tish is the chief cook.
"I'm having fun," she said. "I love it. I've always loved cooking."
Years ago, she was employed at St. Mary's Cathedral in Wichita, where she cooked on average for a group of five priests and the bishop.
"I knew nothing about cooking when I started," Tish said. "I told Father I hadn't ever made a roast."
"Well, we'll try you out," he had said.
She must have learned quickly because she remained there for more than 10 years.
Tish said she learned from Julia Child's TV show how to make liver and onions.
"As a short-order cook here at the cafe, I'm learning what goes first and what goes second," she said.
Joe works as a "floater," doing whatever needs done, such as washing dishes, waiting on tables, and making omelets.
Katie Baird of rural Lincolnville is a full-time waitress.
"She does a great job," Tish said.
Sharon Bina and Connie Gage work shorter hours.
"We have a good crew," Tish said. "We all work together."
Millie Vinduska, Joe's mother, bakes pies at the café twice a week.
"Everybody loves Millie's pies," Tish said.
Her pies are popular at Pilsen Packrats auctions. Now the pies can be purchased at the café by special order.
Ice also is available.
The workers with Schilling Construction Co., who are resurfacing 290th from their plant on the outskirts of Lincolnville, have given the Vinduskas a lot of business since they opened.
A group of coffee drinkers who used to gather at the convenience store downtown have moved to the café for their morning rendezvous.
The Vinduskas said they were extremely busy Saturday, with all tables filled.
Except for a newly-purchased chest freezer for the kitchen, the café came equipped with all the necessary appliances and furniture.
Tish spent several weeks giving the facility a thorough cleaning. It sports attractively-painted half-paneled walls accented with border print. Tables and booths are provided with neat placemats.
"This place is looking the best I've ever seen it," waitress Sharon Bina said. She worked for the previous two operators.
The menu includes several breakfast platters, omelets, pancakes, and cinnamon rolls when available. Breakfast is served until 11:30 a.m.
Lunch is served from then until closing time. Tish specializes in hamburgers.
"People love my cheeseburgers," she said.
Sandwiches also are available as well as dinners of hamburger steak or chicken strips, both with French fries and Texas toast.
There is a special menu for children 12 and under.
A variety of beverages is offered, with free refills on soft drinks.
Takeout lunches may be ordered.
Future plans include having a daily special and being open a night or two each week.
Joe is in the process of making a sign for the front of the business. Of course, it will feature a slightly chipped cup.
