Kimeys Add New Chapter to the Story of the Warda Store Location
Warda History
Over the last two weeks, we’ve shared lots of history and stories on the old Warda Store and the Wardaburger. This week, we go from the past to the present.
In late 2019, the building that was home to the Warda Store was leased to Chris and Miranda Kimey by the building’s current owners, Allen and Rebecca Pyburn.
The Kimey’s owned Pappa Woody’s Ice House in Paige for two and a half years; it was a restaurant and live music venue in what is now the Paige Roadhouse. When it closed in 2014, Chris said, “We knew we would get back into the restaurant business.” Self-proclaimed “foodies,” they got heavily interested in making barbecue in 2015. When the Kimey’s leased the building in Warda, they focused a lot of their renovation efforts on an old storage building that still had grease in it from years ago. After much hard work on the storage area, it now houses their large professional pits and has become the focus of their passion: making BBQ.
The Kimey’s opened Que-Zeen BBQ on Nov. 2 and their menu includes smoked Texas brisket, pork spare ribs, pork and beef sausage, pork belly and smoked turkey. When asked what their best-selling smoked meat is, Chris said, “People ask for the brisket the most because it’s what they’re familiar with. When people try the turkey, they tend to come back and order it again because it’s different. Most BBQ restaurants don’t offer smoked turkey.” Not being familiar with pork belly, I asked what exactly it is. With a smile on his face, Chris explained, “The pork belly is also different; it’s bacon before it’s been cured. It’s thicker, has more fat and we smoke it for four to five hours.” Sounds like something any bacon enthusiast would love.
One thing the Kimey’s also offer that is different than most is the choice of Wendish noodles as a side dish; being in the heart of Wendish country, it was something they wanted to offer. Chris says, “We get a lot of questions from travelers about what buttered Wendish noodles are, and it gives us the opportunity to not only tell them about the noodles, but a little Wendish history, as well, and the path of the Wends from Europe to here. Some newbies like the noodles, some not so much.” Chris went on to note that he has learned a lot more about noodles since opening the restaurant. He said it’s been explained to him that there is a distinct difference between German noodles and Wendish noodles, and there are also Bohemian noodles.
Offering a complimentary beer or wine and the BYOB option allows them to focus on the food. “We don’t want to be a bar, we want to be a restaurant,” Chris commented. They also do a ‘Fry-Day’ special each Friday, which varies between fried catfish, porkchops, chicken gizzards and chicken fried steaks.
COVID-19 has had an impact on their business. Chris explains, “We weren’t allowed to have indoor dining for a couple of months; it didn’t hurt the fast food chains as much as it hurts the smaller food places. Before COVID-19, we had some live music on Saturday nights and we’d like to bring that back.”
Chris was happy to help link past to present when asked about the store. “The long bar in QueZeen is the original bar from the 1947 Kasper’s Store. We even have seven of the old original domino tables in what used to be the game room area of the store; there just isn’t much interest in playing dominoes anymore. Since opening, we’ve had two times where people came in and played.”
I couldn’t resist asking if they had any plans to bring back the Wardaburger. Chris grinned and said, “No, we have our own version on the menu. It’s a smoked burger and is served with an inhouse-made smoky mayo.” Curiosity got the best of me and I had to try it and see how well it stacked up against the old Ward-aburger I remembered. I have to say, it’s mighty tasty and the smoked mayo gives it its own identity. Warda may once again be on the map for a great tasting burger.
Construction
There will be limited or no access to the Warda Post Office or parking lot on the following days: Friday, Aug. 7, from 8 a.m. to noon; Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will be completing some building and parking lot maintenance.
Cancelled/Postponed Events
The Lehmann-Woythe reunion scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2, was cancelled. It has been rescheduled for next year, Aug. 1, 2021.
Events Still On
The Blessing of the Backpacks will be a little different this year, but will be held on Sunday, Aug. 9.
The sewing circle will resume, starting each Thursday at 9 a.m. All are welcome to join.
Picnic
The church picnic originally scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 6, will now be a BBQ pork by the pound, drive-through only event, beginning at 10 a.m. More information coming soon.
Bible Study
Bible study meets at Holy Cross every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. You may join in person or via Zoom. Contact Cyndy Zoch at cyndy.zoch@gmail.com for more information.
Holy Cross Services
Services at Holy Cross Lutheran are on Sundays at 9 a.m. Bible class follows the Sunday morning service.
They will now also be offering a mid-week communion service on the first Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m.
Sermon links/streaming videos and additional information is on the website at www.holycrosswarda.com.
Sunday School
Sunday school for kids (kindergarten through grade 8) is now in person. Each Sunday, they will meet in the narthex after church. Seats will be spaced for distancing. For more information, contact Patty Schulze at (512) 914-5748. Sunday School Promotion Sunday will be held on Aug. 30.
Faith Lutheran High School
Faith Lutheran High School is excited to have 14 students registered this school year and will be celebrating the graduation of its first class of seniors.
Classes start back up on Aug. 19. They will have an official opening service on Sunday, August 23, at 3 p.m. at the church.
FLHS is pleased to announce that Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange has joined the association of congregations that support FLHS.
Contact FLHS at (979)-242- 2889 to learn more.
AMEN Food Pantry
Holy Cross continues to be a drop-off point for AMEN Food Pantry in La Grange. You can drop off nonperishable food items in the designated basket in the hallway at your convenience.
Aluminum Cans
There is a large collection bin at the picnic grounds for you to drop off your aluminum cans. The funds benefit the Trail Life 143 of Giddings.
Recycle Trailer
Recycling is collected at the Warda Self Storage facility; a trailer with designated bins is there for your convenience.
Stamps
The ladies at Holy Cross collect cancelled postage stamps. The stamps are sold in bulk to collectors. If you have any stamps, they can be dropped off in a collection box in the hallway of the church.
Prayer Requests
Amy Wagner and Wesley Cervenka.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes are extended to the following celebrants: Lauren Huenefeld - Aug. 1; Nichole Fenzlein - 2; Judy Wagner, Freddie Zoch and Benjamin Jurk - 3; Kelsey Weishuhn and Wayne Brugger - 5; Willie Wagner and Wayne Kappler - 7; Stephanie Kasper - 8; Larry Moerbe - 12; Elizabeth Faldyn, Wendy Wagner and Suzie Barrow - 13; Glenda Davis - 14; Casey Van Hale and John Gay - 15; Ralph Bamsch, Dennis Pietsch and Cyndy Zoch - 16; and Elijah Kueck - 17.
A special congratulations for Freddie Zoch, as he celebrated turning 83 on Aug. 3.
Anniversaries
Anniversary wishes are extended to the following couples: Tom and Melissa Jurk - Aug. 1; Roland and Betsy Guettler - 3; James and Nancy Teinert - 4; Leonard and Shirley Lehmann - 11; J.C. and Wilma Kaiser - 12; Phillip and Mayra Wagner - 13; and Jerrell and Oranell Dunk - 14.
A special congratulations to J.C. and Wilma Kaiser, as they celebrate 69 years of marriage on Aug. 12.
Have News?
If you have news items to share with readers of the Warda news, contact Lisa Gay at (979) 218-6000 or Wardanews78960@gmail.com.