MIMI’S DINER OPEN FOR BUSINESS

JEREMY WALTNER – PUBLISHER

Downtown Freeman is no longer without a restaurant.

Mimi’s Diner, a project of Freeman resident Amy Beck, opened for business Wednesday morning, March 24 in the Main Street building that was previously home to Doc’s Mess Hall, Delicious Flavor Bakery and, for many years, The Kairos.

Beck had been pursuing her own eatery since last year and has spent the past month getting the space ready. That has included upgrading kitchen equipment and painting and redecorating the dining space.

Beck said she received approval to open from the South Dakota Department of Health after an inspection this past Monday.

“We’ve been going, going,” said Beck, who previously served as manager of Doc’s Bar one door to the north — a bar and restaurant that included Doc’s Mess Hall and closed the first week of January. That’s when she began pursuing her own business inside the building that is owned by Adam and Meranda Van Ningen.

The Freeman City Council OK’d an on-sale liquor license for Mimi’s last December and city officials have been supporting her in other ways; “That feels really good to me,” Beck said.

Mimi’s Diner will feature home-cooking that will include breakfast served all day and evening specials. Hours of operation will be Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., although Beck says she won’t begin serving evening meals until this Friday, March 26. Sunday hours will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a lunch buffet.

A menu is available at Mimi’s Diner’s Facebook page.