April’s Business Spotlight is Cook’s Spice Rack, a family-owned diner in the North end of Springfield.
Fred and Donna Cook opened the restaurant 24 years ago as a labor of love. It was and still remains a family affair.
The neighborhood restaurant had a local following and was a popular hangout, that is, until the pandemic hit. The eatery was forced to close its doors in 2020 and ride out the uncertainty; except that wasn’t the only blow the Cook family would be dealt. In 2021, Donna died of cancer and Fred passed away the following year. The family legacy was left in the hands of Donna and Fred’s daughter, Goldie Harris and her family.
Flash forward to April of 2022 when Cook’s Spice Rack reopened its doors. Led by Goldie, the diner is regaining its following and is on a path to emerge from its difficulties even stronger than ever.
Cook’s Spice Rack was selected for this month’s spotlight because of its resilience in face of adversity. It once again is becoming a neighborhood treasure.
If you know of a business that is doing good things for the community, overcame adversity or is a great employer, we want to hear from you. Nominate a business to be recognized for Rep. Coffey’s Business Spotlight.