Kursten Harris and partners opened The Chef in 2008. Photography by Tommy Theis
By Kate Barkman
Kurstin Harris knew Manhattan needed a breakfast place downtown and originally wanted to call it Two Cracked Eggs. With her husband, Kevin Harris, and good friend Zach Filbert they gathered their experience and went on a hunt for a location.
They opened in September 2008 at 111 South 4th Street. Harris had to give up the name she wanted. The space they found was the historic site of the original Chef that closed in 1986. With help from the Riley County Historical Society the owners were able to use the original “The Chef” neon sign that now hangs outside the establishment.
The breakfast menu is eclectic. Harris, originally from Seattle, exclaimed that, “Kevin Harris is your gravy guy, Zach Filbert is your Tex-Mex guy and 
I’m anything with fish. I made them put the smoked salmon on there. I cried until I got it.”
The three top choices at the Chef are the classic breakfast, breakfast burrito and biscuits and gravy.
Sitting in the restaurant, it’s apparent that almost every table has one of those three dishes but the one that is most curious is the infamous breakfast burrito. This burrito consists of bacon, sausage, eggs, Monterrey Jack and cheddar, wrapped in a tortilla and topped with gravy and choice of potato.
As the customers dine and converse, Harris constantly scurries around helping the servers and refilling coffees while mingling with those waiting for a table.
A year and a half into the breakfast business many changes have taken place. “We are constantly updating our menu,” said Harris. With the help of employees, the owners have been able to receive feedback from customers and adapt to their needs. Even the décor is ever changing.
Brightly colored walls and colorful dishware makes the Chef bright and happy. The décor ranges from old pictures of Manhattan to a large chalkboard with consistently changing artwork. “Abigail Crouse, a good friend, does the chalkboard murals and has now gone back to school for graphic design but she still comes back in to chalk,” Harris explained.
The Chef is more than food. It is a place for friends and family to gather. “We have a group of coffee drinkers that come in at 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They’ve been having coffee together for 30 some years. It’s great,” said Harris. Not only are these loyal coffee customers but the group started having coffee together at the original Chef. Harris explained, “One of the coffee boys, Bob Limbocker, is the son of the man who originally owned the Chef, back in the 1980s.”
More than just a gathering place the Chef supports local economy and local K-State stars. They serve locally roasted Radina’s coffee. “We also try to buy local fruits and vegetables in the summer,” Harris added.
Daily specials may be named after Wildcat athletes such as Daniel Thomas. “It was pretty cute. The football guys got excited for a while. It was fun. They would come in and get their picture taken with the item,” said Harris.
With a fun atmosphere and a warm cup of coffee it’s just the wake up call anyone could use. More information and daily specials are located on their website thechefcafe.com or their Facebook page.
