Central Cafe suffers fire morning after Christmas

Central Cafe has been a long-time staple in the community of Hawarden. The morning after Christmas, Dec. 26 just before 2 a.m. this 45 year old cafe was found completely engulfed in flames.

Owners of the cafe, Jen and Chad McVay are devastated. So much work, post COVID has been done to improve the look of the cafe. But one thing that never has faltered is the excellent service and great food.

Central Cafe is where everyone goes when they have family back. It is a place that makes people feel like they are finally home. Dave and Mina DeJong opened the cafe in 1976. Ever since, there has been someone from the DeJong family who has had their hand in keeping Central Cafe that family restaurant where everyone knows your name. Waitress Deb DeJong has been a favorite waitress for many years.

Through all the changes, struggles and successes, owners since May of 2019, Jen and Chad McVay have remained positive.

"I am still in shock," Jen said. "Everything I have worked so hard for, my daughter's paintings, the new floors, everything, it's all just gone."

Now is the time we can all rally together and help Jen get our communities cafe back. The start of that is through giving through this site. Funds will go directly to Jen and Chad to aid in the rebuilding of Central Cafe!