Paulette Bogler (left) and Debra Howe have worked on their idea of opening a cafe for months. Last week, well wishers showered them and their new eatery in Hamlin, the Sunflower Cafe, with flower arrangements to fit their theme of sunflowers. "Business has been terrific!" says Paula. Some of their friends from their former place of employment, the Hilton Family Diner, made a trip out to Hamlin for breakfast and to wish them good luck. Photograph by Walter Horylev.

They came
to cheer them on

Fourteen ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and former boss met at a Hamlin eatery on Tuesday morning, August 27.

They were there to visit and encourage two of their favorite servers from their regular morning meeting place - the Hilton Family Restaurant. The two women joined forces to open the completely renovated and newly named Sunflower Cafe at 1721 Lake Road in Hamlin.

Back in June of this year, Debbie Howe and Paulette Vogler decided to act on a long-time dream of Debbie's, "I always wanted to open my own restaurant after 16 years of waitressing." Paulette, on her part, says, "I've waited on tables for 20 years and it sounded good to me."

Scrambling began in the ensuing months to negotiate a lease, get permits, arrange utilities, hire staff and begin the scraping, painting, floor covering, papering and general decorating to carry out the major theme Sunflowers, chosen because of their homey and cheerful nature. A sub-theme of John Deere tractors rounds out a rural mood.

Colorful menus were designed and printed by Debbie's daughter, Morgan Howe. "I did it on my computer," she points out.

About a week ahead of their target opening date of August 26, a service man from the area power company was about to turn off their service. "I went out and begged him to wait while Debbie made frantic phone calls," Paulette remembers. "Then two days before the opening," Debbie recalls, "the cash register hung up and a refrigerator/freezer blew up, depositing black specks all over the kitchen."

The cafe is truly a family affair, Debbie says, "The head chef is my daughter, Angela Daniel." Paulette adds, "My daughters, Tina Schaffer and Dawn Vogler, will help out Fridays - our big day with lots of take outs."

The new owners share the cashier and maitre-d'duties. Paulette states, "We both feel that personally greeting customers is important." Their typical 'labor of love' begins at 5 a.m. and frequently lasts until past midnight.

Cafe hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Saturday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner plus daily specials. Dinner prices range from $5.70 to $11.95.