Helotes Café & Bakery Now Open in Old Town Helotes
By Celina Perez
nestled among the trees and quaint shops in the old town Helotes Special district, Helotians now have a new place to gather. The Helotes Café & Bakery takes visitors back in time with the warm welcome of your friendliest neighbor and classic meal options reminiscent of home-cooked favorites. Born and raised outside of Chicago, Ken Dempsey relocated to San Antonio in 1971 where he served 30 years as a City of San Antonio firefighter. In 1993, he settled in Helotes and slowly began purchasing property in Old Town, establishing himself as a popular local business owner. He has a knack for being an entrepreneur. Ken is the owner of the Gardens at Old Town Helotes, a lavish event venue that is known for its beautifully landscaped outdoor reception areas and impressive hill country views. Bringing another one of his visions to life, Dempsey recently opened his first restaurant, the Helotes Café & Bakery. The Café is full of charm and furnished with modern farmhouse style tables and decor that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. “Our goal is superior service with delectable food,” said Ken. His longtime associate, Rhonda Crennen, helps him manage the Café’s kitchen. He describes the menu as “traditional with a twist. For example, the chicken salad recipe includes both grapes and blueberries. The blueberries make it unique to us.” The most popular menu item is the “Helotes Trio,” which is half a sandwich, a cup of soup, and a house salad. “Every sandwich is served with half of our signature deviled eggs. Helotes Fire Chief Scott Moreland likes them so much, he always asks for more.” The menu also offers familiar options, such as pancakes
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rhonda crennen with Ken dempsey at the Helotes café & bakery
and eggs for breakfast. Blackboard lunch specials are quickly becoming a Café favorite. Items are inspired by local businesses, such as “Mander Meatloaf,” affectionately named after Bob Mander, the owner of nearby Mander Automotive. Shoppers in Old Town can stop in for a hearty lunch or simply grab a gourmet cup of coffee and pastry. Ken has partnered with Jennifer Howard, owner of Jersey’s Bakery, and Phillip Santillanes, owner of Texas Grounds Coffee, who, collectively,
Helotes: Gateway to the Texas Hill Country – Summer 2018