Meet your Cook County Neighbor: Kate Keeble
Oct 28, 2024 06:48AM ● By Editor
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A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - October 26, 2024
How did you land in Cook County? What journey brought you here?
How has the expansion of Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth been? How do you handle the logistics of running businesses in Duluth and Grand Marais?
Expanding to Duluth has been a great learning experience and we treasure the adventure. We took an old veterinary clinic and rebuilt it into our dream kitchen and taco shop. Although it was a huge challenge, it was also fun + rewarding. We love how the space turned out and we adore the Lincoln Park neighborhood and our neighbors there. They have been as warm + welcoming as Grand Marais. Juggling logistics is never stress-free, but we have built an absolutely amazing team. It can't happen without them. We have a presence at both taco shops, and it's a highlight to spend time working alongside such great folks.
Do you have a fond memory of an unforgettable guest or group who has stayed at your Hungry Hippie Hostel over the years?
We have several guests who have been coming every year since we opened. It is always so heartwarming to reconnect with them each year. We have one family who are absolute gems. Over the years they've brought their friends, their neighbors, their kids, and this year they brought their first grandbaby. We end up gabbing away in our garage every night for hours!
Do you have a favorite go-to spot in the County where you can escape for some rest and relaxation?
A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - October 26, 2024
How did you land in Cook County? What journey brought you here?
I grew up in a small farming town in Wisconsin. I moved to Minneapolis after I graduated high school to pursue school + work. While living in Minneapolis, I would take canoe trips into the BWCA with friends. I totally fell in love with the area, and after about 7 years I grew tired of the hustle + bustle of city life and moved to the Gunflint Trail.
How has the expansion of Hungry Hippie Tacos in Duluth been? How do you handle the logistics of running businesses in Duluth and Grand Marais?
Expanding to Duluth has been a great learning experience and we treasure the adventure. We took an old veterinary clinic and rebuilt it into our dream kitchen and taco shop. Although it was a huge challenge, it was also fun + rewarding. We love how the space turned out and we adore the Lincoln Park neighborhood and our neighbors there. They have been as warm + welcoming as Grand Marais. Juggling logistics is never stress-free, but we have built an absolutely amazing team. It can't happen without them. We have a presence at both taco shops, and it's a highlight to spend time working alongside such great folks.
Do you have a fond memory of an unforgettable guest or group who has stayed at your Hungry Hippie Hostel over the years?
We have several guests who have been coming every year since we opened. It is always so heartwarming to reconnect with them each year. We have one family who are absolute gems. Over the years they've brought their friends, their neighbors, their kids, and this year they brought their first grandbaby. We end up gabbing away in our garage every night for hours!
Do you have a favorite go-to spot in the County where you can escape for some rest and relaxation?
We're not far from a Superior Hiking Trail, so we try to go hike in the woods whenever we get the chance. We also love to paddle around inland lakes for some peace + quiet. Lately, I've been joining our youngest daughter in some horse work. There's a network of local horse owners who are very kind, full of knowledge and we appreciate our time spent learning to work with horses. You have to be very mindful and present when you are working with horses, so it's a great opportunity to not think about business and a great opportunity to practice being present.
We have to ask, but what is your favorite menu item at your restaurant that you love to eat?
We have to ask, but what is your favorite menu item at your restaurant that you love to eat?
When we pull briskets out of the smoker, I love to eat the burnt ends for breakfast. Also being from Wisconsin, those dang cheese curds are always calling my name!
What is the best advice that you were given and how did it impact your life?
What is the best advice that you were given and how did it impact your life?
My dad always supported me working in restaurants. He says that people will always need to eat, so I should never be out of work. He's a practical guy. My mom always reminds me not to burn myself out. Both of my parents work very hard, and taught us when we were young that nothing comes without hard work. This is 100% accurate. My hubby is a big inspiration too. He's a risk taker and is always willing to gamble on our ideas. He bets it all on us. Investing in us and the work we put in, on our ideas and ultimately on our businesses is one of the best investments that we've made and has really changed our lives in a big, positive way.
