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Axtell market and café is a favorite among BN train crews

More than one visitor has seen trains a mile long stopped along U.S. Highways 6 and 34 in Axtell, then noticed the crew scurrying back to the train carrying plates of hot, homemade food.

Did they stop for lunch in Axtell? Can trains do that?

Kathy Johnson, owner of Kat's Market and Korner Café in Axtell smiles when she hears the story.

“Train crews are accused of stopping for lunch here because whenever the Burlington Northern is loading grain from the super-size grain elevator in Axtell or ethanol from the nearby ethanol plant, the engineer and crew have the time to walk over for lunch. I would say almost whenever the trains stop in Axtell, the engineer and crew come here for their noon meal.”

Johnson serves a hot meal at noon and Hot Stuff pizza and sandwiches all day. 

“Farmers and other businessmen sit around the seven tables in the café at morning coffee break, and retired businesswomen in Axtell often play card games in the afternoon,” said Johnson. “Since we are an Internet hotspot, individuals who work on laptops may be seen working on their computers almost any time we are open.” Johnson said upwards of 30 people typically stop for breakfast and return for a hot meal such as roast beef sandwiches at noon.

A move to the main highway

Kathy Johnson and her husband,  Scott owned a grocery store in the village of Axtell for seven years prior to building Kat's Korner Market and Korner Café. Their former location was small and needed extensive repairs, so when a spot on the north side of busy Highways 6 and 34 came available, they snapped it up. Scott Johnson is a partner in a building contracting business, so the decision to build new came easily. The grocery and café opened for business in 2006.

Their new location attracts east and west commuter business and is convenient for Axtell residents as well, Johnson said. “The highway is busy, and Axtell needed another place to eat as well as a grocery store.”

The market and café is open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. six days a week, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. The cheery atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and Johnson and her staff greet customers by name and invite conversations about hometown happenings and upcoming events. People gather and talk at the market or the café tables, making Kat's an information hub for Axtell and neighboring communities. 

“We succeed because we are open a lot of hours, and we offer something that bigger stores don’t offer, personal service,” says Johnson. “We are usually more cost effective too,” she adds.

And as long as trains stop to load tons of grain and tankers of ethanol in Axtell, at least they’re assured of a good place for lunch.

Who To Contact...

Kat's Korner Market and Korner Café
Kathy Johnson
102 W. 3rd St.
Axtell, NE 68924
(308) 743-2434
sandkjohnson@charter.net

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