By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — What started as a humble kitchen tucked into the Eagle Grove Golf Course has grown into one of the community’s most beloved hangouts. On Friday, April 4, Nine & Dine marked a major milestone: ten years in business. And judging by the packed bar, slammed kitchen, and roaring applause for local musician Joe Inman, the celebration was a fitting tribute to a decade of hard work, heart, and hospitality.
In an interview, co-owner Brooke Hathaway (who is also Director of the Chamber of Commerce) reflected on the journey, which began when Tyler took over Nine & Dine in 2014 after spending two years under its previous ownership. “Taking over as owner was both exciting and daunting, because as anyone in the restaurant industry knows, it’s not an easy path,” she said.
Brooke herself joined the team in 2016. “What started as a professional partnership blossomed into something more,” she explained, taking a romantic turn as the couple married. “Together, we’ve poured our hearts into this place. Over the years, we’ve built a community inside these walls, finding friends who have become like family. We’ve celebrated countless milestones together and mourned the loss of some of those dear to us.”
Among their most memorable experiences, she recalled catering a friend’s wedding in New Orleans. “We loaded up the vehicle and made the long drive south, preparing and serving a wedding meal atop a downtown hotel, a time we’ll never forget.”
Of course, the road hasn’t always been smooth. In 2020, like so many restaurateurs, “we were hit hard by the effects of COVID. It was an uncertain and trying time for restaurants everywhere, with many forced to close their doors for good,” Brooke said. “We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have made it through and we owe it all to our customers, whose loyalty and support carried us.”
The menu at Nine & Dine is ever-changing, reflecting Tyler’s passion for fresh ideas. “Our menu is unique, always evolving, and changing with the times,” she said. “But one thing that never goes away is the Dirky Burger. It’s a favorite around here: a burger topped with bacon, jelly, and peanut butter, all between two slices of marble rye. Sounds wild, we know, but we always tell people, ‘Just give it a try!’”
Seasonal offerings include smoked specials in the summer and fall. “The delicious smell drifting through the air is enough to turn heads,” she said.
The bar program is just as dynamic. “We offer a wide variety of craft cocktails, many of which can be made non-alcoholic. With more customers choosing to drink less, we’ve added several non-alcoholic beer options, along with cannabis-infused canned cocktails. There’s truly something for everyone, no matter your taste.”
Community involvement is a key ingredient in the Nine & Dine philosophy. “We’ve donated meals to teachers during conference time, provided team meals for the football boys the last two years (something we really look forward to), and delivered catered lunches to several local businesses.”
As for the future? The Hathaways are hopeful and grateful. “We just want to keep growing and continue being a place where folks in Eagle Grove can gather, eat, celebrate, and feel at home.” Hathaway made a point of noting that their employees work very hard. “We couldn’t do any of this without our awesome team,” she said, “we are incredibly thankful for everything they do.” Hathaway also expressed a heartfelt gratitude to their customers. “Thank you to our patrons for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring.”
For updates on hours, specials, and events, follow Nine & Dine on Facebook.
