The legacy continues under new ownership

**After being closed a few months shy of four years, Cronk’s Café reopened in Denison on Monday. Pictured are Omar Patino, the owner, and Guadelupe Herenandez, the general manager.** Photos by Gordon Wolf

The reopening of Cronk’s Café on Monday was welcomed by a steady stream of customers.

That included about 50 people who came for breakfast, said owner Omar Patino.

Omar is the son of Denison businessman Ramon Patino, who bought the Cronk’s early in 2023.

Ramon said when he bought the restaurant, it wasn’t just to own a business but to invest in people’s memory of a restaurant that means a lot in Denison’s history.

The landmark restaurant, located at the intersection of Highway 59/141 and Highway 30, was started by L.J. Cronk in 1929.

The pandemic closed the restaurant in March 2020, and two months later owners Eric and Terri Skoog decided to put it up for sale.

Now, under new ownership, Cronk’s Café is adding a touch of the new while preserving the restaurant’s past.

Patrons will be welcomed by familiar sights when entering the restaurant. Still on display are reminders of Cronk’s long history, such as a vintage Cronk’s sign, a signed basketball from the 1997-1998 Lady Monarchs state runner-up team, and photographs of famous visitors.

The rooms have the same name – Angus for the large room, Gold for the small meeting room and the Lounge for the bar.

The Cronk’s stained-glass decoration remains where it has been for decades in the Angus Room.

The interior has been updated with new, colorful paint on the walls.

Omar spoke about some of the other remodeling work.

“We took out all the carpet and installed new flooring, making it easier to clean,” he said. “Since the building was closed for a while, a lot of wiring had to be redone. Almost everything in the kitchen is brand new.”

He added, “The remodeling was completed about two weeks ago, and in the last weeks we were waiting for food orders to come in.”

“It’s been a long process, with redoing the parking lot along with everything else, but now everything is put together,” he said.

The menu features a mixture of the Cronk’s classics and a full menu of Mexican food. Flipping through the menu, patrons will see familiar names such as Cronk’s Burger and the Round Table Special for breakfast.

And, making its grand return will be the Sunday brunch, beginning this Sunday, December 3.

**A vintage Cronk’s Café sign is part of the décor in the hallway leading to the Angus Room.**

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**The wall behind the checkout counter has the same photos of celebrities and important memories on display.**

Omar credited his chefs for their abilities in cooking Mexican and American foods.

“I think we have the best people for the job,” he said.

Omar understands the legacy he is accepting with the ownership of Cronk’s.

“Cronk’s has been open for almost 100 years now, and we can keep it open for as long as possible, now,” he said.

He added that the plan was always to keep the Cronk’s name.

“Everybody from however far away knows that name,” he said.

Omar added he is ready for Cronk’s to again be the gathering place for family events and meetings.

“We’ve had people already reserve their Christmas party, and one group that used to meet here all the time asked about meeting at Cronk’s again,” he said. “Any groups that want to meet at Cronk’s are invited to call and make sure the room is open.”

The Gold Room is available for smaller gatherings, and the Angus Room still has the partition to divide the room in half.

For the sound system, Cronk’s bought the old movie theater speakers from the Donna Reed Theater. Microphones are available.

Omar said he and his staff are always open for suggestions.

“Somebody suggested having broasted chicken for brunch, so we are doing whatever we can to satisfy everybody,” he said.

Cronk’s was also known as a place for groups of people to gather for coffee and discussion.

“If people just want to have coffee and talk, the coffee is on us,” Omar said.

He added, “I hope the community shows the support they’ve given Cronk’s in the past. We just ask for people to give us a try, and I think they will be satisfied and come back.”

The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the bar opens at 4 p.m.