Bongards' Country Store has many fans
By Heather Thorstensen
hthorstensen@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 03/11/2010 9:07 AM
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Bongards' Country Store
Address: 13200 County Road 51, Bongards, Minn.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Biggest seller: Of their sandwiches, it's the Reuben or Rachels. Rachels are made with turkey, not corned beef. They sell for $5.49, or $4.25 if they're on special, and they come with chips and a pickle.
Call them at: (952) 466-3545
Website: www.bongards.com
BONGARDS, Minn. -- Nearly two years ago, Bongards' Creameries decided to expand the retail store at their Bongards location.
Before, they had a small area to sell cheese. They converted a space previously used for a lunch room, office and storage into the new Bongards' Country Store. With expanded hours and more staff, they have more room to showcase their cheese and they added a menu.
They serve coffee with rolls and scones baked fresh every day. They also offer sandwiches, soups, brats and chili. Eleven sandwiches are on the menu and others are added as daily specials, like a Friday fish sandwich. Taco In A Bag is a hit for $3.50. For that, they crunch up a bag of Doritos, add lettuce, hamburger with taco mix and a sauce.
Soups, like the cheesy potato bacon, sell for $2.75 a bowl.
"Our business was growing and we wanted to offer our products," said Karen Nagel, office manager. The cooperative employs approximately 200 people at their Bongards location, where processed cheese is made. Their cheese is sold all over the country, much of it going to delis and restaurants. Another plant in Perham employs nearly 100 people and makes natural cheese and whey powder products. Bongards' Creameries celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2008.
The larger store is going over well with customers.
"Being that this is the new store, they're amazed. They go 'wow'," said store manager Cathy Kerber.
In the morning, the plant's employees come in for coffee. The cooperative's members also like to stop in. Kerber said the store has helped people in the community through donations to churches and patrons facing challenges on their farms, such as a burned barn.
Blocks of Bongards' cheese, which may be sliced, fill refrigerated cases, and there is a whole display devoted to specialty cheese, such as flavored goat cheese or chocolate cheese fudge. Spreads that taste like port wine are popular, said store clerk Katrina Blackwell.
Cheese curds, both the regular and flavored varieties, are always selling. They also have cheese whips, which are similar to string cheese. Kids love them, Kerber said. Selections of meats from A & M Processing in Hamburg and Knaus Sausage House in Kimball are available. They have beef sticks, sauces, jerky, jellies, flavored bacon, sausage and frozen pizza. Watkins products include vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, almond extract and maple extract. Milk is two gallons for $5. Gift boxes and baskets are available.
Ice cream is served from a cooler near the front door.
"We go through a lot of that -- winter, summer, it doesn't matter," said Kerber. It's Ashby's Sterling ice cream, with unique flavors like amaretto cherry. It may be served in a regular, sugar or waffle cone. The store also sells Blue Bunny bars.
Along the front wall are Bongards' souvenirs such as sweatshirts and measuring spoons emblazoned with their logo. Other items for sale in this area are mostly from Minnesota, including honey and soup mixes.
Decorations include inflatable Holsteins and milk cans. Historical photos of the creamery line the top of the front wall. A blue ribbon from the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association hangs behind the counter for their award-winning pepper jack.
Customers enjoy free samples.
"Anything you put out for samples, you usually sell," Kerber said.
— Heather Thorstensen
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