If you crave a tasty baked potato, a savory order of french fries or want to sample any other way the vegetable can be served, two De Soto residents think they can serve up just what you want.
The Tater Shack opened Tuesday at 48 Jefferson Square in the Jefferson Square Center between the De Soto Chamber of Commerce’s office and Orscheln Home and Farm.
Cheyanne Govro, 26, is operating her first restaurant and Chris McKalip, 59, is the kitchen manager.
Govro and McKalip worked together for a while at Cafe 21, which had a three-year run in that same location. The two had discussed running their own restaurant before Cafe 21 closed June 30.
Govro, who was born and raised in De Soto, said she has worked in the restaurant business since she was old enough to work.
“My very first job was when this was The Bistro,” she said.
McKalip’s stepfather was a chef and she said they had also talked about running their own eatery. A resident of De Soto for 42 years, McKalip has been in the restaurant business for the last 20 years.
“(McKalip) knows the back of the house, I know the front of the house,” Govro said.
Govro said if she was going to open a restaurant, she didn’t want it to be like others.
“My niece and I came up with the idea,” she said, adding that the Tater Shack’s slogan is “Less Haters More Taters.”
“Everyone loves a potato. You can’t go wrong with it.”
After coming up with the concept, Govro and McKalip brainstormed and came up with several ideas.
“I knew we didn’t want to do just baked potatoes,” she said.
So they didn’t.
Waffle fries with mac and cheese is just one combination people can get at the Tater Shack.
Every meal has multiple potato options, including baked, wedges, cubes, tater tots, waffle or crinkle-cut fries or shredded hash browns.
Menu items include taters topped with taco toppings, buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, pulled pork, bacon cheeseburger, Philly or a classic loaded tater.
Or you can “go wild” with your spud and order your own concoction, Govro said.
Govro assures the potatoes will be massive and large portions will be the norm.
But if you are still hungry afterward, root beer floats with vanilla bean ice cream are an option.
She said breakfast options will be available all day.
Yes, they even have sweet potatoes (baked or wedges). There’s the Sweetie Pie topped with roasted marshmallows, pecans, bacon and drizzled with a sweet sauce.
There’s a Little Spuds menu for children 12 and under.
Not in the mood for potatoes? The back of the menu is devoted to “Tater Haters” and includes salads, burgers, buffalo chicken, barbecued pulled pork and Philly sandwiches or wraps.
The restaurant also will offer daily specials.
Govro said the menu will change from time to time.
The hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Groups of eight or more people are advised to call ahead for seating.
Discounts are offered to teachers, first responders and veterans.
