Kramer's Kitchen

When Princeton resident Mary Kramer began catering for birthday parties and anniversary celebrations in 2003, it didn’t take long for word of her culinary talents to spread across Bureau County.

“I started catering with my daughter, Mindy, and pretty soon, we knew we needed a place to continue the catering business, so we could handle weddings and larger events,” Kramer says.

In the spring of 2008, she opened Kramer’s Kitchen, an eatery in downtown Princeton. She focused on serving meals created with fine meats and cheeses, fresh produce, and made-from-scratch desserts. It quickly became a hometown hit.

“For breakfast, people love our biscuits and gravy. We use real sausage – nothing from a can,” Kramer says. “Our most popular lunch items are the Mom’s Italian Beef with mild peppers and melted mozzarella cheese, and our Kitchen Club sandwich. We fry our own homemade chips every morning and flavor them with garlic herb, ranch, or sour cream and onion seasoning. They’re very popular.”

If You Go...

Kramer’s Kitchen
Location: 421 S. Main St. in Princeton
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Phone: (815) 872-2715
kramers-kitchen.com
Please call ahead before traveling long distances.

Kramer’s children, Mindy and Ken, joined her in the business full time. Both learned to cook from participating in 4-H. Following in his mother’s entrepreneurial footsteps, Ken opened a bar called The Kompany across the street from Kramer’s Kitchen in late 2015.

Her husband, Roger, helps out, too, along with their 11 employees.

“My employees are the heart and soul of this place, and it’s a job they enjoy,” Kramer says. “We have a lot of good relationships with our customers – they are also our friends.”

Folks traveling along Interstate 80 often stop in Kramer’s Kitchen for a bite to eat.

“We’ve had tourists from all over the country, and one couple from England comes back every summer while touring the U.S.,” Kramer says.

Be sure to save room for dessert. Kramer’s homemade cheesecake has become legendary.

“We serve it with whatever topping you like,” she says. “Turtle cheesecake is a favorite, topped with caramel, chocolate and pecans. We also do toffee, strawberry, cherry, Reese’s Pieces and s’mores.”

“It’s a very homey, comfortable atmosphere with old-fashioned decor from people in the community,” Kramer says.

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