The wonder of the Crossing Cafe Trading Company

The Crossing Cafe Trading Company in Elk Mountain might not have regular hours exactly, because Nancy and Ken Kassner, sometimes take off during the day or evening to take care of other business.

"If you want to make sure we are open, people can call," Ken said. "We have hit an age where we do things like that."

This doesn't mean the cafe is not open often, but it should not surprise any patron it is closed. But when it is open, it is a place to be visited.

Just to walk in the place is like walking into a mini-museum of sorts.

Eclectic and interesting is probably going to come to mind walking up to showcases filled with unique items. It almost makes one forget it is a place to get a meal.

There is a range of items one would not expect to see in a little cafe in a small town such as Elk Mountain.

Nancy points out a miniature wooden stagecoach. The detail of the carriage to the wheels is impressive. When one learns it was Ken's father who made it out of balsa wood some 60 to 70 years ago, it goes from impressive to incredible.  

There are bones from creatures long extinct alongside artifacts from native American culture his father and he have collected over the years.

"We have had friends tell Nancy and I we should close down and go see the world," Ken said. "I ask them, why should I?I  tell them we don't need to because the world comes to see us. Little kids from Germany, France, all over the place come over and I show them my collections. Then often as not, I give them an arrowhead because I know it is going to thrill them. My philosophy is this is history meant to be enjoyed, not put away in a closet. They should go to the people."

The building that houses the Crossing Cafe was built in 1895 as Myers Mercantile. It changed hands over the years and even burned down once and was rebuilt. The building came into the hands of Nancy of Ken over 25 years ago and they decided to turn it into a cafe and haven't looked back.

The building has as much history as the artifacts and fossils which are displayed in cases.

Nancy and Ken said they have repeat customers from all over the country and globe. 

"It is true," John and Marcy Greenwich said as they were paying their bill. 

"We come from the east coast and when we come to Wyoming, we make a point of stopping here to eat and enjoy the wonderful items they have on display," Marcy said. "We love coming here. You are lucky it is in your backyard."

The prices of the Crossing Cafe are noticeably reasonable. 

"We are able to keep costs down because we go over the menu once a year and see what is selling and what isn't," Nancy said. "We change the non-sellers to try out new items because we don't want to have things here that don't sell and cut down on waste. What we save we give back to the customer."

The number one seller is the Cowboy BLT. 

Eating one makes clear why it is a favorite. The Crossing Cafe gives this sandwich a special spicy twist. Again, the price is remarkably reasonable compared to most places in Carbon County. The fact that it is delicious is a bonus.

Salads and burgers are also in demand because of quality and price.

"One of our secrets is we have a 1949 stove that has six burners, a raised grill and two ovens," Nancy said. "It is cast iron and it has its unique way of cooking."

"We have had over 250 this summer take pictures with this stove," Ken said. "It is a marvelous piece of equipment that still does the job."

When a customer comes into the cafe to eat, they better bring cash or a local check. Ken doesn't believe in credit cards because he doesn't believe in the percentage rates people have to pay.

He would rather you pay with cash so his place costs what it costs.

"Like I said, I'm set in my ways and when you get to this age, you don't change because you don't have to," Ken said. "It is why you won't see us on social media. We have our way and it works for us.

The phone number to make sure the Crossing Cafe is open is 307-348-7478. 

If they are, it is probably worth going over to get a great meal and see the treasure of a place that has so much to see. Also Ken and Nancy are admitted story tellers. There is no getting bored listening to them as the explain the history of the Crossing Cafe and its contents.

It is little wonder people who are going across the country via I-80, make a point of stopping at the Crossing Cafe.

It really is one of those gems a person hopes to stumble on, and when they do, they come back.