VERMILLION, S.D. -- A couple of Vermillion residents followed a dream and breathed life into an historic building on the Corner of Main and Market streets.
Café Brule opened in April.
"The reception has exceeded our expectations," said Monica Iverson, who co-owns the restaurant with Chef Jim Waters. "It's been fantastic. Business is booming, growing every day. We're having to hire more people."
Iverson also operates Cakes by Monica, a specialty cakes shop she ran from her home prior to opening Café Brule.
The business hosted celebrity Executive Chef Robert Hesse for a 6-course duel with Waters in late February. Hesse was a contender during season 2 on Hell's Kitchen. Both shows sold out quickly in a fundraising event for the Vermillion Domestic Violence Safe Option Services program.
Waters and Iverson had known one another for eight years. Waters used to manage Jones' Food Center bakery, where Iverson did some of her baking. Iverson developed a following for her artistic flair in decorating cakes for weddings and other celebrations.
After the Coffee Shop Gallery closed in January 2010, Waters figured it was time to move. "I just decided one day that I was going to do it," he said.
Café Brule specializes in a fusion of American and French cuisine, as well as custom cakes and pastries.
Café Brule also shows and offers selling opportunities for Vermillion-area students and professional artists in a gallery on site. "Each month we have artists come in and present a show on our walls," Iverson said.
