Blair Classic Cafe: A New Tradition Begins

BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 AUGUST 24, SATURDAY) In what is the most-important and unexpected news about a Blair restaurant in years, a familiar downtown eatery is set to reopen its doors under new ownership and a fresh name. An entire generation of Blair residents will see the iconic, well-loved Billy’s Blair Maple change ownership: Blair Classic Cafe, formerly known as Billy’s Blair Maple, will welcome patrons starting Monday, August 26, 2024, at 6:30 AM.

We had the honor to meet the new owners, hear their passion and commitment to Blair, and see their vision for the future of breakfast and lunch on Main Street.

The transition marks the end of an era for Billy’s Blair Maple, a staple of Blair’s dining scene since 1997. For 27 years, it served as the go-to spot for locals seeking hearty breakfasts and simple lunches. The restaurant was known for its unchanging menu, reasonable prices, and role as a community gathering place.

Bill Koons, the previous owner, decided to sell the establishment to focus on other ventures.

Enter Aaron Leisure, a culinary arts student from Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, with 16 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Leisure, along with his fiancée Cellest, will helm the new Blair Classic Cafe.

Raised by his grandmother in South Omaha, Leisure’s roots in small-town Nebraska run deep. Childhood experiences in Atkinson, Nebraska, left a lasting impression. “As a child in Atkinson, I frequented a restaurant where the staff was friendly and would greet customers as they arrived and thank them when they left,” Leisure recalled, highlighting the kind of atmosphere he aims to recreate.

“I sat down one day and said I did not want to get to my deathbed and wonder if I could have been successful,” Leisure explained, describing his motivation for taking on this venture.

The new owners aim to strike a balance between honoring the restaurant’s legacy and introducing necessary updates. One of the most significant challenges Leisure faced was deciding the fate of two iconic wooden tables, beloved by long-time patrons.

“So many people want them to stay,” Leisure recounted. “They smacked my hand when I suggested both tables would not be able to stay.” As a compromise, Leisure is keeping one table “for the guys” and gifting the other to a 20-year patron of Billy’s Blair Maple.

While the menu will remain largely familiar to regulars, Leisure plans to introduce some new items. “You don’t really change breakfast too much,” he noted. However, he added, “We’ve added some new menu items that are in the same vein as Billy’s Blair Maple, but updated.” The restaurant will also feature lunch specials that change weekly or seasonally.

While introducing some new items, Leisure maintains a pragmatic approach to the menu. “It’s not going to be overly complicated,” he stated. “To add a new menu item, something else would have to come off first.”

While much of the staff from Billy’s Blair Maple will be retained, they’ll undergo training to meet Leisure’s new standards. One standout member of the team is Taylor Woodard, a Blair local. Woodard’s enthusiasm and customer-oriented approach embody the spirit Leisure hopes to cultivate. Taylor stopped by during our interview with Aaron. Her charm, energy, and optimism were apparent as she talked about the past, current transition, and future for the Blair Classic Cafe.

“There is a balancing act between labor costs and our business,” Leisure explained. “Staffing will need to be effective, and our goal is to be staffed all day long.”

Leisure’s experience at chain restaurants has shaped his approach to running Blair Classic Cafe. “The number one thing I learned at these big restaurant chains was that cleanliness was their common thread,” he stated. “I refuse to have a sticky table,” Leisure emphasized, underscoring his commitment to maintaining a clean, sanitary environment.

The interior has undergone a facelift, described by locals as “brighter” and “more clean.” New white tables contrast with deep red booths, while the walls feature a two-tone design of “midnight black” below and off-white above.

Leisure is committed to preserving the small-town atmosphere that made Billy’s Blair Maple a local favorite. When asked about competition from fast-food chains, Leisure responded, “McDonald’s is fast-food. We are a restaurant. Come in, sit down, talk with friends, and don’t feel like you’ll be pushed out. We want to keep the small-town feel.”

The restaurant will continue the cash-only policy of its predecessor, at least initially. Leisure cited high bank fees as the reason but mentioned the possibility of adding credit card payments in the future.

Blair Classic Cafe faces the challenges of today’s restaurant industry, including rising food and labor costs. Leisure plans to combat these issues through efficient operations and by growing the customer base. “The more customers, the better service we can offer and the more staffing possible,” he explained.

Leisure’s fiancée, Cellest, has been instrumental in the restaurant’s development, creating the “Rise and Dine” slogan for early-morning specials. These specials, priced at $6.75 for an entrée, side, and drink, aim to offer value to early risers.

Beyond creating the “Rise and Dine” slogan, Cellest brings a positive energy that Leisure believes will resonate with customers. The couple’s shared vision and complementary strengths form a solid foundation.

During Leisure’s interview, numerous potential customers stopped by, eager to dine at the new establishment. The community’s response suggests that Blair Classic Cafe may indeed become the successful venture Leisure envisions.

Despite his enthusiasm, Leisure approached this venture pragmatically. “I left a great company to do what I like to do,” he explained. “My plan B was not burning bridges and leaving with a full two-week notice.”

While challenges lie ahead, including the perennial issue of downtown parking, Leisure remains optimistic. His commitment to quality, cleanliness, and community seems poised to usher in a new era for this long-standing Blair dining institution.

Whether it’s for a stack of pancakes, a patty melt, or simply a cup of coffee and conversation, Blair residents will soon have a refreshed yet familiar place to start their own new tradition.