It'll have been 26 years in November since long-time Eagle Grove restaurateurs Deb and Jeff Tinker bought the B&S Crossing, "Where Friends Meet Friends". Before that, they had the golf course, and Jake's Pizza in the old Godfather's, which is now La Bonita's.
There were Jake's Pizza locations all over the area in those days. There was one in Clarion, one in Belmond, and one in Mason City, too. In fact, there are still some Jake's Pizza locations still holding on even today. Though which "Jake's" are one of the Jake's Pizza places, and which are just some guy named Jake's pizza place, is harder to figure out for those who weren't around long enough ago to know.
It was at the Jake's here in Eagle Grove that Jeff came up with the idea for "Mediterranean Bread''. It was 1979, and "Jeff and the workers were just experimenting. And they came up with this, and it was a hit. It was an instant hit. And I'll tell you what," Deb said with a proud, sidelong grin, "it's still going strong today."
The treat all the fuss has been about since 1979, Med Bread. Photo by Edward Lynn.
At first, Deb explained, there was some confusion about the name. Jeff had dubbed the unique take on garlic bread and cheesy garlic bread Mediterranean Bread So because Italy is in the Mediterranean> But some people assumed there was something Greek about it. The kitchen staff inadvertently solved the problem behind the confusion when they started abbreviating the order to "med bread." The name stuck, and these days, it's not really an abbreviation anymore.
When the two closed down the Jake's and opened up the B&S "it was just a bar at first," said Deb. But, as she related, everyone wanted Med Bread and pizza back. So, the couple did some renovations, and put a kitchen in.
There were a lot of highlights over the years for Deb and Jeff. One of Deb's favorites was Karaoke night, which finally shut down in the early days of the pandemic. "You knew there were going to be a lot of people," Deb said. And there was a camaraderie to it which, great singers, off key singers and all, Deb admits she still misses.
Another favorite event at B&S was Celebrity Bartenders, which Deb said "was always fun, and raised a lot of money for good causes." Whatever good cause it was from time to time, all the tips and a portion of the proceeds always went towards it.
Two of Deb's favorite times at B&S were when Ragbrai came through town, twice, in the 90's. "That was a trip," said Deb with a chuckle. "There were lots and lots of people. Fun stories… That was a fun and busy time," she recalled.
But now B&S is operating in a post covid world. Today, things at B&S are a lot more subdued. The Med Bread and the pizza, and the fabulous burgers and the full menu is still there. And so are the owners and the dedicated staff. But the crowds are gone. "COVID was our biggest change," Deb explained. Since the pandemic started, "to go orders are 80% of our business now."
The Med Bread may get all the attention but the burgers at B&S are worth checking out too. Shown is their bacon Swiss burger. Photo by Edward Lynn.
And although they're doing all that to-go business, the tragedy of it all has been quite a blow. "So many people we've lost," Deb said, with a heavy sigh.
For those who still come in, there's a more personal experience these days. It is, as Deb put it, like "this is our living room. You're coming to our house, our living room. That's kinda our thing these days."
For years, the rave reviews for B&S have been pouring in. Giving the restaurant a 4.5 out of 5 star average.
"Best pizza in the county," Doyle Kuehnast wrote over nine years ago.
"Always a good time,friendly, clean,and good food," wrote Kevin Mourlam five years ago.
"Best Med Bread in the world," Kathleen Fender wrote a year later.
"Got to get the medbread," Kenny Kreitlow agreed a year after that.
"Excellent old school med bread," Aaron Hiltabidle concluded two years ago.
Just a year ago, the rave reviews were still coming. With Omei Jittai writing, "the chicken strip basket is great and the burgers are to die for. Definitely try the Mediterranean bread!" And Pam Abbot noting that B&S is a "convenient location to gather with old friends."
And in the last year, Bruce Keplar wrote, "You must check this place out." Advice which at least 5 others took, leaving behind 5 star reviews on Google, as recently as last week.
But when a "For Sale" sign showed up on the front of the building late last month, a murmur around the town began. Was it the bar for sale, or just the building, was the general worry in a town that has recently lost a few beloved eateries. And a post on the B&S Facebook page last Sunday told locals that their fears were realized. "We will be open until we sell the restaurant," the post began. "Please come in and continue your orders to go! We so appreciate you all!!"
Reaction was quick, and wistful.
"I'm sorry to hear you're closing," Pam Betts replied. "Everyone is right, your med bread is the best in town."
"Once it’s sold, can you share the med bread recipe," DeAnn McCurry Pitman asked, perhaps half in jest. Adding, "I’ve tried making it several times and it’s close but just not the same!!"
Christian Allen agreed, saying, "yes!!!! Med bread is one of my fondest memories!"
Marilyn Bartosh noted that B&S has "not only the med bread, the best pizza in Wright County."
Former Eagle Grovers reached by the news reacted as well.
"Such sad news" wrote Joan Slater, "Although I'm now living in Kansas with my daughter, I will always remember your Med Bread!"
"My son was in town last weekend," Dnita Loux related. "B&S med bread and cold beer was his request before going home" to DesMoines. "He was upset to hear about you coming to an end."
"Guess a trip back to the Grove needs to be in my very near future," wrote Kristan Gunter Jirak
And if you want to enjoy the real deal original Med Bread, great burgers, pizza and other fare on the B&S menu, a trip back needs to be in your very near future, too.
