The Stock Pot Café: a hidden Kamloops gem
A warm, family-oriented restaurant can be found tucked away in a Kamloops industrial park.
Despite its location far away from the main restaurant hubs, The Stock Pot Café draws customers from all over the city with its simple comfort foods, clean and friendly atmosphere, and affordable menu.
“We have all kinds of people here including families, seniors and university students,” said owner Floyd Ondang. “At first we thought we’d only get customers just from the industrial neighbourhood, but we are a destination spot.”
When we asked Kamloops readers for some of their favourite affordable restaurants, this place came highly recommended.
The restaurant isn’t large and luxurious. There aren’t servers bringing complex wines to the tables for customers to swirl around, or frilly, decadent desserts or menu items that are difficult to pronounce.
The ambiance is modest and relaxed. It’s a place to get away from the noise of life, chat with a friend over coffee, or tuck into a hot bowl of fresh soup. It feels like home.
“We keep things consistent, simple and delicious, and I think that’s what appeals to people,” Ondang said. “Our customers and staff are like family. Our foods are traditional comfort foods and our atmosphere is inviting.”
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Despite a staffing shortage in the province, Ondang has managed to retain his staff. Sammy Kerr has worked as a server at the eatery for a year.
“I love this place and have always liked working here,” she said. “The kitchen staff is like a family and our customers are easy and fun to interact with.”
Ondang has lived in Kamloops for decades, running the restaurant for the past six years.
He doesn’t have a formal education as a chef, but what he does have is a love for cooking traditional family meals and interacting with his family and community.
He helps support his community by showcasing the works of local artists on his walls, putting up posters for upcoming local events and spreading the word about local charity events.
He also sells frozen dinners to busy families, casseroles, soups and lasagnas in single to family sized servings.
“I try to keep my costs as low as possible,” he said. “I can’t give it away, but I do what I can to make meals satisfying and affordable to families.”
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The café serves breakfasts and lunches and closes around 3 p.m. most days.
Breakfasts range from $7.95 to $14.95 and there is lots to choose from, from bacon and eggs, omelettes and pancakes, to breakfast wraps, burritos and quesadillas.
Lunches start at $9.95 and include sandwiches and mains, with a variety of freshly made salads, soups and sides to choose from.
The Stock Pot Café is located at 7-970 Laval Crescent.
Two homemade soups are on daily, with a fresh salad bar available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. except on Saturdays.
Hot buffets are waiting on Fridays during the colder months, and on Saturday's customers can dine out on breakfast all day.
Frozen lasagna, cabbage rolls, chicken pot pie, beef shepherd’s pie, turkey shepherd’s pie and chili are available to purchase.
The eatery is a locally owned Kamloops restaurant that takes pride in home cooked meals.
Go here for more information on The Stock Pot Cafe.
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