River Rose Café to reopen on April 1

When Pat Hansen announced the closure of River Rose Café in January, the public and her patrons had something to say about it. Now, and after listening to her customers, Hansen decided to reopen and will be doing so on April 1 at 10:30 a.m.

“People were complaining,” said Hansen, adding, “I didn’t like the feel of not having the café open, and I miss the smells.”

Hansen has owned the Hand of Man, located on Front Street in Owego, since the 1980’s. 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.

But following the passing of her daughter in December, Hansen made the decision to close the doors of the cafe. It was the end of January when Hansen officially closed, and her customers that visited the café for many years were not happy with the decision.

Now, two months later, Hansen will reopen and has some good help on board in doing so. Hansen contacted Becky Blair and asked her if she wanted to help. Blair obliged and will be doing the baking and cooking for the café.

And Blair is no stranger at River Rose Café. 

According to Blair, she started working at the café in the early 1990’s, and remained there for approximately 20 years. When she left, she owned and operated the Blackbird Bakery on North Avenue in Owego for two years.

Now, and with the bakery closed, Blair has decided to go back to the café.

“Becky loves to cook,” said Hansen, “and she’s been a big help all of these years.”

Although Blair is well known for her baked goods, she also creates other menu items like the specialty sandwiches and soup offered at the café. 

River Rose Café, upon its reopening, will be open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.