SiJambo Cafe
Owners: Mellissa and Trenton Klassen
Location: 207 10th St. Windom, Minn.
Telephone: (507) 832-8282
Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday
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Known for: Chipotle Chicken panini sandwich, which is $5.35 and smoothies, which are $2.75 for a 12 ounce and $3.50 for a 16 ounce.
WINDOM, Minn. — Mellissa Klassen has always dreamed of going to Africa and owning a cafe. Although she hasn’t gone to Africa, nine months ago she decided to open SiJambo cafe with her husband, Trenton, and bring a taste of Africa to Windom.
"I have always loved coffee shops, so that inspired me to open the cafe," said Klassen. "There is nothing like this in Windom. It was a big leap of faith for us to open it, but it has gone over surprisingly well."
Klassen’s love for Africa inspired the cafe’s name and decorations.
"SiJambo means all is well," said Klassen. "This name has helped me create a refuge for people because we as people are busy and we lose ourselves. I wanted to have a place for people to come relax and slow down — even if it is for a little while."
There are photos of native animals and the wall’s border has African designs.
"Africa goes unnoticed and that is why I chose Africa as an inspiration to make people aware," said Klassen. "The colors I picked specifically. There is red, which is a passionate color; blue, which is a intellectual color; black brought in elegance; and yellow and orange make people hungry. Overall, I want to be able to create an oasis."
SiJambo’s is catching on in the small town. People can get a real lattes, cappuccinos, and chai tea, which is a black tea with spices. Smoothies come in strawberry, peach, and mixed berry flavors.
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SiJambo serves Belgian waffles and scones on the breakfast menu. Chipotle chicken, roast beef, ham and cheese, and turkey bacon sandwiches are served for lunch.
Children can color and put puzzles together in the kids’ corner.
"I am a mother of three kids, and sometimes it is good to think like a mother," said Klassen. "I know that it can be hard to bring younger kids out, so I thought it would be nice to allow them to have something to do while they are here with their families."
"We also do take out and take reservations for people," she continued. "It will take time to become more widely known, but it is coming."
Klassen wants to put up an awning on the outside to make it more inviting.
"We are trying to focus on bringing the outside to life and be more inviting for our customers," said Klassen. "We are also looking at expanding our breakfast menu this summer."
The cafe allows her to be creative with out hindrances and because she loves talking to people and serving people.
"I love to spur creativity in my customers," said Klassen. "My goal is to challenge people to make their dreams come true."
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— Melissa Mussman
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