Our Story
A History Rooted in True Central Minnesota Americana
Located in what was originally the local dairy creamery, The Old Creamery Café is steeped in history. Our roots date back to 1914, when the Rice Creamery was first established. At that time it was a facility where local farmers could bring and sell their dairy milk to be churned into butter. In 1942 the building became an official Land O’ Lakes Creamery facility, providing milk and butter to US troops during WWII.
Serving a dual purpose, the Creamery also operated as an Ag Co-Op, providing seed, fertilizer, hardware, and other related goods. Butter was produced at the facility well into the 1970s and it served as a bulk milk station until 1982 when a location change took place. Moving across Rice’s railroad tracks, the new building was recognized as the Creamery Center. It opened in 1983 and was complete with a carwash, laundry mat, and short order café.
A short three years later, in 1986, our current owner, Mark Larson, took over complete ownership of the building. And since 1989 we have been known as The Old Creamery Café and Creative Catering. Today we strive to honor our dairy creamery roots by serving authentic home-style foods complete with a nostalgic feel of a bygone era and a welcoming staff.
Book Your Next Event with Us!
The newest addition to our location is a private event space charmingly referred to as the Chimney Room, due to an oversized and elegantly constructed brick chimney as the focal point. The space can be used for hosting small gatherings or as an overflow seating area to our cafe dining room. Seating up to 40 guests, the Chimney Room can be divided into two sections, allowing multiple parties to take place at the same time.
Sound proofed, equipped with an HD 42″ TV, WiFi internet, and a separate waitress station, our private gathering space is perfect for small family events and medium sized organizational gatherings. The Chimney Room is often used for hosting baby showers, grooms dinners, birthday parties, anniversary parties, retirement parties, holiday parties, annual meetings, club meetings, and more. Groups booking the Chimney Room or just seated in this area can order directly off our menu or can order special meals.
Due to its amble space and unique architecture, we often seat large groups of eight or more in the Chimney Room simply to provide them with a more private space to visit and eat. The next time you’re looking to book a private gathering space or are taking a large group out for dinner, make the Chimney Room at Old Creamery Cafe your first choice.
