Guests enjoy dining at the River Rose Café. Photo contributed by Chirya Risely.
After serving guests at their little café tucked away in the back of their store, the owner of Hand of Man and River Rose Café shut the doors to its café last week. The move, according to Pat Hansen, owner, was a logical one.
Hansen has owned the Hand of Man, located on Front Street in Owego, since the 1980’s and has continued to grow and expand the products offered, which includes teas and coffee, ornaments, Christmas novelties, collectibles, gifts and more. With two floors of merchandise, managing the store in itself has been a full time job for Hansen.
Pictured, is Jacqueline (Jackie) Biller. Legacy Photo.
Out back, with dining portions on a deck overlooking the Susquehanna River, the River Rose Café was opened about 30 years ago as a snack bar run by Alice Boland, and then was transformed into a café later by Hansen’s daughter, Jacqueline (Jackie) Biller.
The café flourished, with Biller managing things to include the creation of the menu and the recipes. Items found on the menu had a continued local flavor such as their specialty sandwiches named after historic landmarks like Sa Sa Na Loft, the Pumpelly, and the Hiawatha Purchase and others.
The café was indeed a treat for guests as they shopped in downtown Owego. From the River Rose Café deck, shoppers could delight in the nature and beauty of the Susquehanna River; and in later years they could watch those who were strolling along the Riverwalk.
But Hansen’s daughter, Biller, had health issues that would eventually lead to her untimely death in December of 2016.
According to Hansen, her daughter became ill in 1982; she was in her early twenties. Diagnosed with Ovarian cancer, Biller had to undergo radiation; a treatment, according to Hansen that put things in remission, but caused other ailments for her daughter.
But Biller was strong, and had a passion for the village and the café. She continued to work, according to Hansen, and was helping with not only the café – but Hansen’s bookkeeping as well.
Biller also had help managing things for a time from Becky Blair, who left to open Blackbird Bakery on North Avenue – a bakery that is now closed.
But year’s later, when all was thought to be well, Biller’s cancer came back in her colon, and this time remission was not in the cards. After battling her cancer, once more, Biller lost her fight and passed away on Dec. 16, 2016 – less than two weeks before Christmas and at the age of 53.
It was shortly after this that Pat Hansen announced the closure of the River Rose Café; an announcement that led the locals to flock into the small, quaint cafe for one more dining experience.
And Hansen’s decision to close was what she described as the right one to make.
“It’s tough to manage,” said Hansen of the café, “So it was a logical move.”
Hansen also explained that she was considering scaling back before her daughter became ill because of the amount of work it took to run the café. So when Jacqueline got sick, that was it.
Now, the café is officially closed and there will no longer be food served out back, in the small, cozy café.
Hansen officially closed the café during the last week of January, and described a different type of feeling when she went to open her shop on Monday, Jan. 30.
“Monday seemed weird without the restaurant,” said Hansen during an interview on Wednesday, adding, “But I realize this has to happen, so it’s okay.”
“I saw her every day,” said Hansen of her daughter, “And I miss her.”
Hansen herself has done an amazing job of not only running, but also flourishing at her Front Street shop. Now in her eighties, she will continue to run the Hand of Man, and stated that she will expand the section that was once occupied by the River Rose Café.
“I’ll fill it with more merchandise,” said Hansen.
Chirya Risely, who has been in town helping Pat with some decorating, stated that the customers that frequented River Rose are disappointed, but have been stopping in the Hand of Man all week to express their love for the café.
To the customers that have enjoyed the River Rose Café for many years, Pat Hansen thanks them for their support.
“It’s been fun,” said Hansen, “But all is as it should be, and it’s okay.”
Sadness abounds. This was one of the very best things about Owego – so very grateful for all the great memories there over so many years, and so sorry to the family for their huge loss!
Thank you for all the years of serving the community. The cafe will be greatly missed. Condolences to you for the passing of your beloved daughter.
So sorry to hear of the closing of a place we shared many happy times. We brought family and friends there for wonderful food and conversation. Most memorable were times when our granddaughters visited and we ate out on deck overlooking the beautiful scenery of Owego. Thoughts & prayers for the families during these most difficult times. Yes, very understandable that the decision was made to close the Cafe. Losing your co-worker, especially one that also is your daughter is unimaginable. Thanks for all those years having a very special place to go.
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
I have been coming to your place a long time and enjoyed it each time ,the food the ambiance and everything about it. It will be missed by everyone that I know. Every time we had guests we always took them to see the beautiful things displayed in the store and also have a good lunch and great deserts.Thank you
My heart goes out to you,Pat and I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Jackie. I remember her from 1982 and before. She went to school with my daughter, Carie Hitchings and they were friends. Even tho I moved from Owego in late 1982, I always visit the Hand of Man whenever I get back home. Peace and Love to you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter. It was a special place that will be missed. Thank you.
Dearest Pat, so,so, sorry to hear about Jackie, a lovely girl and loved by those that knew her. Sorry to see the Cafe is closing but understandable. Will see you again next time I’m home. God BLESS and be safe. Best to all of you. Ellen.
I loved eating at your charming café and the food was always superb….No matter how busy, the service was exceptional.. My sincere sympathy goes out to Pat and her family. Everyone will truly feel the loss of such a beautiful young woman who made her patrons feel so welcome….Blessings and Love…..
So very sorry for your loss, Pat. I want to say thank you for your lovely café. My family and I enjoyed many, many meals there. I brought my two daughters to your cafe starting when they were very little. We have wonderful memories of the River Rose. Best wishes to you.
Thank you for all the years you put into this cafe. We so enjoyed it when we returned home to Tioga County for visits. The food was delicious and fresh and the ambience was sheer delight.
So very sorry for the death of your daughter. Sitting here admiring your strength and courage to keep going and even expanding. Both “The Hand” and “The Rose” were musts when my daughters and I did Owego. Because I love the Christmas ornaments so much, I began giving them as wedding gifts, regardless of the time of year. I’d choose those which spoke to me of love and hoping that at each Christmas time, they’d be reminded of their wedding and love. You, Alice and your daughter created a place that is special to many. Thank you and God bless.
Your family has touched a lot of lives and left fun memories for our family. My mom,sister and my mother-in-law had lunch and shopped there at one time or another. Honor to share and be part of your memories also. God grant you comfort and peace.