My interview with Mr. Kannal at Mary Yoder’s 25th Anniversary
It all started with a piece of cheese.
One day while Larry and Donna Kannal were visiting the Middlefield Cheese Co-op on Nauvoo Road here in Middlefield, Larry asked the clerk behind the counter if they knew of a good restaurant that has Amish cooked food. Their response, “We don’t have any Amish restaurants here in Middlefield!” Larry proceeded on, pondering their answer and then approached them one more time, thinking just maybe they did not hear him right the first time, but the answer was still the same. There were no Amish, home cooking restaurants in Middlefield. How could this be, he wondered. Well, this needed to be changed. And so his plan begins.
Watch the video below and hear Mr. Kannal tell the story in his own words.
Upon entering Mary Yoder’s Restaurant for the 25th Anniversary Celebration, Mr. Kannal was first on hand to greet many of the visitors, opening the door with his cheerful, “Hello!” A table placed at the entrance into the bakery/gift shop offered thank you gifts to all who entered. The ladies tending the table were available to answer any questions you might have and offer you a special deal on Barbara Yoder Hall’s book, “Born Amish.” Pictures of the original restaurant were also on hand to view. Mary Yoder’s was packed for the occasion, however, there was only a brief wait in line for seating, and some guests were escorted to their tables by Mr. Kannal himself.
I found Larry and Donna Kannal to be both humble and gracious hosts. The family of Barbara Yoder Hall’s was just as gracious, and I felt honored to take their family portrait for them.
This truly is a one of a kind restaurant that offers only the very best in good, old fashioned Amish home cooking. You will always find homemade peanut butter spread and apple butter spread at each table, just waiting for you to try.
We at Geauga News wish Mary Yoder’s all the very best for a prosperous and fulfilling future.
