Ronald and Ryan Le Baron - Le Baron's Honker Café

He walked the Downtown Nampa streets, searching. For what he didn’t exactly know. But he was a man on a mission, looking for a restaurant to call his own. He spotted a small hole-in-the-wall café, and offered the owner the enormous amount of $6,000 for the business. After she accepted, a huge lump began to swell in his throat. Wondering how he would afford the $50 a month payment he thought, “What did I just get myself into?”

Both Ronald and son Ryan Le Baron grew up in the restaurant business. Ron’s parents owned a café in Reed City, Michigan. Experiencing the long hours and hard work firsthand, he vowed to never work in the restaurant business again. Yet at the age of twenty he was managing a Howard Johnson restaurant. In 1973, he and his family moved to Nampa, Idaho. For over a year he was the manager at the Country Inn. He then decided that if he was going to work that hard, he might as well own his own his own restaurant.

Taking after his father, Ryan too began his culinary experience very early. At the age of six he was on the payroll, helping dad make pies and cinnamon rolls from scratch. Soon he was washing dishes standing on a milk cartoon and side-by-side at the grill with dad, fending off the Saturday morning rush. At sixteen he was left to manage the restaurant while his parents vacationed in Michigan. Even through college, Ryan always had a hand in the restaurant. After two years living in Seattle, he’s returned with renewed motivation and inspiration.

The Honker Café has been a fixture in Downtown Nampa since the 1930’s. But now its official; the year is 1974, and the beginning of Le Baron’s Honker Café. It had its humble beginning of a few booths and small counter with barstools. It was the epitome of a “Ma and Pa” Café. Ronald held down the kitchen while his wife Barbara waited tables. The café has expanded over 400% in size and now seats 110, with banquet facilities available for groups small and large. It is still world renown for its Jumbo Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Pies, Clam Chowder, Cornbread and Dinner Rolls. All of which are homemade.

Le Baron’s Honker Café is now nearing its 35^th year in business and recently finished a total remodel. They could not be happier with the result. The objective was to update the restaurant with a modern, classy look; yet keep the family feel in tact. It looks as if they hit the nail on the head. Business has increased dramatically as Le Baron’s is the talk of the town. They’ve been forced to extend their hours in order to keep up with the demand. A Grand Reopening Bash and Birthday Celebration are planned for early summer. It looks to be an event you won’t want to miss; it will include “turn back the clock” prices and a classic car show.

The Le Baron’s have a long history with Tri-City Meats. They value the consistent quality of Tri-City’s products and commitment to making them affordable. “Being an independent business, it’s great to know that our sales consultant Kelly (Calkens) is truly looking out for our best interest,” Ryan said. “That’s critical when we don’t have the purchase power of corporate restaurants. It’s like he’s part of the family.”

Recently customers have been raving over Le Baron’s Prime Rib ($13.99), Coconut Prawns ($10.99) and fresh hand-cut salmon ($10.99) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. So we invite you to experience Le Baron’s Honker Café, and welcome to the family!

Le Baron's Honker Café, where you'll find "Home Cooking at its Finest!"

Hours of operation:
Monday through Saturday 6:30am-8pm or later.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner served all Day.


Address:
1210 2^nd St S.
Nampa, ID 83651

Take the Garrity/Idaho Center Exit (38), follow Garrity into town. (Away from the Idaho Center). Take a left on 16th Ave, go over the overpass and take a right on 2^nd St. S.

Questions or comments? Email Ryan at: RyanLeBaron@HonkerCafe.com

Coconut Prawns

• 1/2 #10 can Coconut Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Quart Heavy Cream
• 2 Cups Shredded Coconut

Breading:
• 1 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 2 Cups Shredded Coconut

1. Add prawns to above ingredients and soak overnight.
2. Mix Breading combination thoroughly.
3. Thoroughly pack the prawns with the breading mix.