Serendipity Cafe a strong and sweet comeback

Serendipity has been part of the Clay Center Community since August 2022. Sheryl and Michael McBreen did not know what all was in the business plan was when they bought the small drive-in restaurant. They just knew they wanted a small community where they could raise their kids and be involved within the town. They wanted a place where everyone is welcome and feels a sense of belonging to serendipity. A place where customers can grab an item to go or sit down, relax, and have a sweet treat, a meal, a drink, or coffee while visiting with friends.

Owning a business has been an eye-opening experience in many ways. It has provided the McBreens with a sense of community, developing family through friendships. “We found our tribe in Clay Center “Sheryl expressed. One of the biggest tests that presented itself was a simple remodel project. This project ended up being a long 18-month project. During this time there was an abundance of excitement and trials. About the time frustration and the overwhelming feeling would start up, someone from the community would reach out personally with encouraging words or check to see how the progress was coming. The members would even ask how they could help with the progress. These acts of kindness and encouragement were just enough to keep them on the remodel journey. The name has been re-branded to Serendipity Cafe & Mercantile. This classification of a cafe has the opportunity of offering a wide variety of things such as energy drinks, coffees etc. as to offer more of a selection of something for everyone. They can be unique in the sense that they will to brainstorm to help with dietary needs by customizing menu items as needed.

They want a place where customers can come and just be who they are, if having a trying day, to sit and regroup, or celebrate the important things in their lives. A creative kid’s area has been set up with books, colors, and toys to allow the little ones to explore.

As far as any specialty dishes, the recipes originated from family. The basic recipe is adapted to make necessary adjustments for taste and quality. These improvements add their own twist. All new recipes are personally tested for the best result. All levels of consistency are met, such as baking, taste, fresh, or frozen before the product added to the menu. This process takes about 3 months to complete. So be on the lookout for innovative items in the future.

Serendipity Cafe & Mercantile is not a fast-food restaurant. When ordering a meal, it takes time to prepare, cook and serve the items. Freshness and quality is what is striven for. The hamburgers are fresh pressed, hand rolled meatballs, and using dry beans are just a few techniques. Meals are preplanned, one example is buying beef which equals nachos, burritos, meatballs, and smash burgers. Planning out the meals helps minimize waste and helps keep meals affordable for the customers. Another special treat when dining in, is the meal presentation by serving on china plates.

They want the customers to feel appreciated.

Serendipity Café & Mercantile is a family-owned and operated business. Every family member has a job to complete, even the kids. The tasks are simple, but the kids are developing and connecting with the community just like their parents. There may even be a time or two you see one of them at the order window.

When inside Serendipity be sure to find the “Honey Pot.”

This special treat holder is for homemade delicious cookies, brownies, and other tasty treats. The Honey Pot has been known to sell out quickly, so it might be an excellent idea to stop there first before errands to get the best pick.

A huge hit are the Lotus drink and energy drinks. The variety and creativity are unlimited when combining flavors. “Name that drink” has become popular with all ages.

If a customer has requested a new flavor, they can personalize the drink by giving it a name. Sometimes a creative drink name is indecisive, then it goes to the Facebook page, with a description of flavors, for nomination and voting. It is fun to see what the resulting drink name ends up at.

As small business owners, they look for other small businesses who also give back to the community. The Pale House coffee is from Virginia. It is a veteran-owned. This company supports veterans, law enforcement, fire fighters with a percentage of sales giving back to them.

Since the reopening in April, the remodeled building features a fresh look. The drive-thru window is on the south side of the building, entry is from the alley. A designated parking area is on the north side. When entering the building, the front door is on the east side. There are spacious windows to view the outside world while enjoying your drink or food. The dining tables are set up to welcome guests. You just do not enter the building you step into “Serendipity”.

Serendipity held a private group event, it was a success!

The tables were elegantly set with burgundy and lace and adorned with centerpieces which complimented the group attending. There are a variety of ideas that may be in the future, such as after hours events, rental, catering food, expanding Friday specials such as desserts, farmers markets, vendor shows, and other fun ideas.

Serendipity has other unique items for sale such as comic books, antiques, and various other items. There are houseplants for sale for those plant-loving customers looking to add a bit more green to their collection.

Originally from the west coast area of busy city life to Clay Center NE, a quieter more relaxed area has been a change for the family. This change has been a positive one.

Here, the “sky is the limit,” at west coast level was not possible to fulfill their dream.

Giving back to the community by special requests such as name that drink, Sheryl and Michael are grateful to be here and give back to the community.

Community involvement is not about just owning a building or a lot. It is about taking time to listen, supporting, celebrating life moments, sad or happy, accomplishments and all the daily feelings of the patrons who come to the business. This develops into lifelong friendships from which brings a strong bond to the community members and McBreens. Be sure to watch for more updates in the future. Serendipity Cafe & Mercantile, 220 S Center Street (along Highway 14), Clay Center, Hours: Monday thru Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to t p.m., Contact: 402-762-3065.