CURRIE -- When word got out that Trail's Edge Drive In Café was open for the season, those in the know smiled and prepared to eat well.
Trail's Edge, located on State Park Road in Currie, is owned by Roger and Deanna Hamann of Slayton. For more than 20 years, Deanna owned the Shady Drive Inn in Slayton, where she had a devoted following of people who loved her cooking.
When she sold the business and opened the café at Trail's Edge, the store known for its bait, fishing tackle and convenience items also became known for its food.
Where else can a person buy minnows, a lure, an electrical cord, a sweatshirt, graham crackers, a hose for a camper and top it off with a ham and cheese omelet breakfast and a pound of potato salad to go?
"We are a full convenience store," Roger said, looking around at his wares. "That's why I'm here."
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Campers who forgot a single item or saved space by not shopping until they hit their destination will find anything they need at Trail's Edge, as will fishermen, families picnicking, or anyone out using the bike trail. The store carries fishing poles, paper plates, ice cream treats, baby wipes and mosquito spray, along with batteries, charcoal, bobbers and beer and more.
The Hamanns open the business each spring and close in mid-September, but those months when they are open make for long days -- 16 to 17 hours a day, seven days a week.
"You get in the rhythm of doing things, and to make it work, you have to do it," Roger said.
This year, they have had to hire a few extra workers to compensate, because Roger was in an accident this winter and is still hobbling on crutches and wearing a neck brace.
But that hasn't stopped them from opening. Sunday morning, the restaurant was full and the waitress hopping from one table to the next.
"At the Shady, I had the same people in every day," Deanna said. "This is more fun. We have the lake people, people that are on vacations -- everyone is just fun."
With a menu that ranges from full breakfasts to hamburgers, chicken strips, taco salads and wraps to steak and grilled shrimp, there is something to please anyone's palate.
A kid's menu, homemade pizza and ice cream treats round out the selection.
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"I like being in the restaurant business," Deanna said. "I like cooking."
And people like it when she cooks. Just ask anyone who has tried her homemade pastries or Shetek's Best BBQ Baby Backs. And don't forget the salads-to-go.
"We sold 2,800 pounds of potato salad last year," she said. "And lots of pies and caramel rolls."
Trail's Edge is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week and has both indoor seating and a drive-up window.
