COMPETITOR

Cafe B-29

HEAD COOK: Chaz Koeppen

COMPETITION: World Burger Championship

At the age of 23 I started on my culinary journey as a general manager for a family out of the Kansas City Missouri area, Stephensons Cider Mill Restaurant was their location down south on the Missouri/Arkansas boarder. It was old school gourmet! During that time I learned a variety of incredible cooking techniques. I went on to then manage Bumsteads in Nixa, Missouri and it was the classic American cuisine. Fresh cut fries & huge burgers! It was running 2 totally different restaurants that were both amazing and unique that my “style” was developed. The best chefs in the world, in my opinion, have been our grandparents! Back when women could cook and still would, they had a love and passion for what they brought to the table. After many years as a general manager, I finally opened my own restaurant with my fiancé, daughter and best friend. We wanted an all American Cafe that would bring back the personal touch of cooking for family and friends. Cafe B-29 was born in loving memory of our Grandfathers who served in the Armed forces whose sacrifices ensured the "American Dream" was attainable to all who were willing to work hard to achieve it! So, on Sept 15th 2017 we opened Cafe B-29 in Ozark, Missouri. Named after the WWII Superfortress bomber, with a military Rosie the riveter motiff, we took our area by storm. Our customers loved the food, and we encouraged families to bring in the photos and uniforms of their Hero’s to be part of our cafe so that their memories, stories and sacrifices were not forgotten but embraced and shared! We made it a place that everyone is welcome and we celebrate the true spirit of our amazing country together over great food in our All American Diner. If wanting to make people smile and serving the very best food makes you a chef then maybe I am, but it wasn't culinary school that made me who I am although I have the highest respect for classically trained chefs. We love to give back to our community through special events to raise money for our Veterans and encourage young chefs to chase their dreams. My sous chef is 19 year old Michael Wilson, he was anxious to learn as his mother is an excellent Cajun cook and his attention to detail is second to none, I cannot wait to see what he does with his talent and what this completion will do for his confidence and future in the food industry. Life is full of great moments and we are excited to compete with our unbelievable burgers that we serve to our customers everyday!