OUR STORY
Welcome!
Magpie’s Café opened on May 16, 1984 by Rhonda Crane. It started in the basement of the “Crow’s Nest” building on this historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri. It was named after her daughter, Maggie, who “chattered like a little Magpie”. Her business thrived on her Baked Potato Soup Recipe.
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About 10 years later, she moved to the current location at 903 South Main Street. At the time of her death in July of 2019, Rhonda was the most enduring, single owner of a business on Main Street for 35 years.​​
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Longtime Loyal and hardworking employee, Donna Schaffrin, purchased the Restaurant in 2019. She and her eight children along with a wonderful staff kept the quality and traditions of the restaurant going strong for five years.
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In April of 2024, Bill Pieper and Colleen Blase purchased the resturant from Donna and promised to continue the great legacy for years to come. We are so fortunate to have Donna, 4 of her daughters, her core staff as well as our five daughters to help us keep this promise. Thank you to all of our loyal customers and to those just visiting Main Street and appreciating delicious, homemade food in a quaint and beautiful setting.​​
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Sincerely,
Bill Pieper & Colleen Blase
HISTORY
Restaurants St. Charles – The title to this property dates back to 1821, when it was proofed to Charles Tayon. Tayon served from 1793-1803 as the Spanish governor of St. Charles. He had distinguished himself during the Revolutionary War in the defense of San Carlos (St. Louis). As a reward for the outstanding defense of Fort Joseph, he was granted 10,000 aprons (acres) of land in St. Charles County, which would explain why he came to the area.
This was probably the largest home in the settlement of St. Charles (Les Petites Cotes – the Little Hills) at the time of its construction. Speculation has it that it may have been built in 1812 when Charles Tayon sold the property he owned a block north of here.
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The home has passed through many hands, including the Botany family who owned the property for 90 years. In more recent history, this was known to the locals as “The Witches House” because the family that lived here practiced “white” witchcraft.
After extensive renovation, Magpie’s now practices its own brand of witchcraft. We cast a wonderful magical spell upon our food so you have to come back for more!