Slower pace, love of cooking draws Brewer to Venango cafe

by Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Growing up as a farm girl in Fairplay, Colo., Melissa Brewer enjoyed a simpler way of life that she loved. It was this love, and the enjoyment of cooking that drew her to Venango and to the purchase of the cafe there in September. 

Formerly known as Crossroads Cafe under the ownership of Candy and Raul Bazan, Brewer has renamed the cafe Four Aces Pub & Grub. She plans to change more than just the name of the cafe by adding to its menu, activities and also a liquor license. 

Brewer is currently a resident of Pierce, Colo., where she and her family own and operate the electrician business Broken Bow Electric. 

In 2021, the company expanded to include a site in Ogallala. Brewer has been making the two-and-a-half hour drive from southwest Nebraska to her home every week since then. 

Knowing how much she loves to cook, and of her desire to own a restaurant, a friend tipped Brewer off to the sale of the Venango cafe in June. She jumped at the opportunity.

“I was looking for a change,” she said. “to a slower pace. I like it here (Venango) Everyone has been so nice.”

Brewer said she wanted to get back to cooking for the public, using skills provided by her mom and also from the concession business she had owned successfully for 20 years in Colorado.

A stark contrast from the hustle and bustle of an expanding Colorado, Venango may become her permanent home. However, for now she will commute, going to Pierce on the weekends and back to Venango during the week. 

Brewer closed on the cafe on Sept. 3 and is beginning to work on expanding the menu. Some things she would like to include are smoked prime rib, speciality burgers, a weekend buffet, a kids’ menu, and also speciality nights such as a seafood night.

Brewer also owns a photography business called Enchanted Moments by Missy, which she runs in her spare time. 

The cafe, located at 116 N Pennsylvania, is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Brewer is planning an open house soon. She is also planning special activities for Halloween and also for the upcoming Holiday seasons, she said. 

For more information, call the cafe at 308-447-5534.