New Shorelunch Cafe owner Chantill Graham wants to prove that International Falls is a good place to do business.
“It’s exciting and scary because I know it’s hard (to operate a business),” Graham said. “But I love this town and this is where I want to be.”
Graham purchased the Shorelunch Cafe, along U.S. Highway 53 in the Falls, from her mother and stepfather, previous owners Mara and Mark Carrier. She officially became the new owner Aug. 16. Graham’s mother could no longer run the restaurant because of health problems.
As a child, Graham and her mother dreamed of owning a small restaurant in town. When Graham was 25 years old, her mother became owner of the Shorelunch.
“We didn’t know what we were getting into — we were just so happy that we could buy the restaurant,” she recalls, adding that it still hasn’t sunk in that she is now the owner. “I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do — this is what I was born to do.”
Graham said her mother is glad to see the restaurant stay in the family. Graham learned a deeper appreciation for her mother’s work when dealing with her own daughter, who also works at the restaurant, she said.
“On TV, they have family businesses where everyone gets along all the time — it’s not like that in real life,” Graham said with a laugh. She added that although the work can be overwhelming, it’s also rewarding.
The customers at Shorelunch, both summer tourists and locals, have become Graham’s extended family — talking with them is a highlight of her daily work, she said.
“I really have supportive customers,” she said, adding that one of her customers loaned her their vehicle when hers recently broke down. “I wait to see them everyday — people think of this place (the restaurant) as home.”
The people kept her in this town, she said, explaining that after going to college, she could have moved somewhere else and made more money.
“I’m here for my customers — to me, that’s worth more than money,” she said.
Changes
With the new ownership, the restaurant got a new look. The outside and interior has been remodeled — painted, decorated and new floor tiles.
Graham has also made some expansions to the business. She now offers homemade baked goods, including bars, cookies and pies, for sale. She takes orders for those items for special events, and has added an option for businesses to order off-menu boxed lunches for meetings.
Graham plans to add family-style dining choices to the menu for evening hours. She also plans to offer delivery for family-portion meals.
“It’s kind of ballooned into something bigger than I thought,” Graham said. “I always knew (owning a business) is big — but it’s actually happening. This is real.”
Long-term projects include expanding the kitchen for larger space, offering specialty coffee, and operating the drive-through.
“I have lots of dreams,” Graham said.
For more information, call the Shorelunch at 285-7483.
