How it all started…
The story of Jensen’s Café first began in the post-depression era in rural Fremont, Nebraska. Alvin Jensen operated a small gas station along Broad Street until taking over the Café across the street. And every five years, in honor of their Danish heritage, customers received free aebleskiever (Danish doughnuts). Little did he know how long – and far – this little restaurant would go. The Fremont Café celebrated its 30-year anniversary in February of 1977.
Fast forward to the late 1990’s in a small suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Burnsville, Minnesota had plans to build its own downtown. Land was purchased, new streets were planned and constructed, visions of a park were in place, and a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center (now the Ames Center) was being drawn-up.
The inspiration for the Café was born in 2004 when Brian Hehr and Doron Jensen (owner of Jensen’s Food & Cocktails), two long-time restaurateurs saw that the corner location at Burnsville Parkway and Nicollet was available. The building was to be called the ‘Grande Market Place’. Conveniently, there was a corner location on the first floor available. Wheels started spinning and both Doron and Brian agreed downtown Burnsville needed a Café. This was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.
Jensen’s Café was reborn and officially opened their doors on March 30 of 2005 in downtown Burnsville, now known as the ‘Heart of the City’. The recipe for success, passed down from Al Jensen to his grandson, Doron seems simple, “Hire the best people…buy the best products and deliver consistent, quality food…give customers the best service you can…and the money takes care of itself.”
Today, Jensen’s Café prides themselves on many of the same values which made the Fremont Café so popular – homemade soups, famous butter maple syrup (oh my!), made-from-scratch pancakes, locally-roasted coffee, and plenty of other home-style delights.
Since 2005, with the support of loyal customers like you, Jensen’s Cafe is able to continue serving unforgettable breakfast & lunch. Everyone at the Café thanks you for your continued support!
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