Blackbird Cafe Serves Up Quality Food with Exceptional Service

Mary-KoselkeWhen Mary Koselke and her husband Dan Cook opened Blackbird Café in February 2009, they knew they were taking a tremendous risk. They questioned the wisdom of venturing into the restaurant business during shaky economic times, but when the opportunity arose, they jumped at the chance. Mary says both she and Dan have always wanted to own a “European-style” café, and that while it was “a bad time for the country, it was a great time to start a business.” They purchased the café from their friend Anneliesje Sandberg, and in the three years since it opened, Blackbird Café has proven a to be risk well-worth taking. The café is now a prime destination in downtown Valparaiso and an active member of the city’s business and cultural community.

Mary credits the café’s friendly staff and great food as the keys to Blackbird’s success. To her and Dan, “food and customer service are of the same importance.” She says her café offers “something different – an affordable, exceptional meal in a comfortable atmosphere.” It’s the sort of place where the owners and baristas go out of their way to remember customers names and what they regularly order. With its comfy couches, close tables and walls decorated with the work of local artists, Blackbird offers a warm, relaxed space for students, families, professionals and friends to gather. During its busy lunch and dinner rushes, regulars and new patrons often share tables, and in the evenings, the café hosts study groups, a knitting club, and a variety of cultural events. It’s a space where one can’t help but meet new people.

Mary and Dan also take pride in Blackbird Café’s unique menu and strive to keep it affordable. The café makes all its own food, which is time-intensive but worth it. “We can control everything,” she says, “We know everything that goes into our food. It’s all natural, with no preservatives.” Mary and Dan research and test recipes until they’re satisfied. “We want to bring in different sorts of flavors you might not have tried before.” They use organic, locally produced ingredients whenever possible, and hope to expand those options in the future.

Blackbird-CafeBecause Mary’s father was a farmer, and Dan’s family operated a bakery in Valparaiso for years, the pair understand supporting local businesses is not only “good for our community, but also for our health.” It’s no surprise that they also feel that as local business owners, they have a duty to give back to that community. Mary says Blackbird Café tries to participate in as many Valparaiso events as possible and regularly lends its resources to local charities.

If you can’t make into the Café, Blackbird will deliver anywhere in the Valparaiso area. Beyond the café, Blackbird also caters everything from business meetings to birthday parties. They offer their entire menu for catered events, as well as any needed supplies and staff, and will happily customize for individual needs.