About The Ole Store
A Northfield business since 1889, the Ole Store is a Nordic-inspired restaurant with a rich history and a vibrant present. Fueled by the support of the Northfield community, our restaurant aspires to continue to be a place where people gather with their loved ones to share a meal or celebrate important life events.
The Secret Ingredient: Our Team
We believe that a business can be managed with integrity, rooted in community, and fueled by love.
These are fundamental aspirations that we hope to live by on a day-to-day basis.
We know that this restaurant is only successful when every member of our team is invested in the experience we provide and when the Northfield community sees what we do and wants to support us.
Want to be part of our team?
Joe
Kitchen Manager
Kendall
Assistant General Manager
Kendall has been with the Ole Store since March 2020, what a time to begin in the restaurant industry full time! In her role, Kendall coordinates large parties and is happy to work with groups to craft a special event for all occasions.
Kendall says welcoming back familiar faces is her favorite aspect of the neighborhood establishment, and is always excited to meet new folks visiting for the first time. When not managing the floor, you can find Kendall walking her two dogs with her spouse around town or biking out on the area’s country roads.
Joe joined our team in August 2020. He has been a calm, steady, problem solving force in the kitchen since day one. Joe has held a few titles over the past two years and accepted the position of Kitchen Manager in July 2021.
He has led the kitchen through successful menu changes, the return of lunch this year, and is in charge of our weekly special program. Outside of work you'll find Joe playing music in his ska band Lost Island Society, on a lake fishing, and he is excited to be welcoming a baby this winter!
Alliya
Owner & General Manager
I have a history with this restaurant. My family moved to Northfield when I was 10, and I have fond memories of walking up St. Olaf Avenue to buy candy from the Ole Store Cafe.
In 2011 I started working at The Ole Store as a server and bartender. The owners at the time Chuck & Deanna became mentors and friends, so when I learned about the opportunity to purchase the restaurant it felt so right.
On my first day of ownership, January 1st 2020, I didn’t know the huge challenges that were in store. Our doors are still open today because of our loyal and supportive community.
Anastasia
Line Cook
Mel
Server
Mel has been a front of house server at the Ole Store for over 2 years. She wins the best hair & best earring award whenever she's working. Her fun spirit is contagious and is always laughing with tables in the dining room.
In addition to her restaurant work she is passionate about animals and farming. Fun fact, Mel has a dog, a cat, a horse, AND freshwater shrimp! Our restaurant is a brighter place with Mel here.
Meghan
Server
Meghan joined our team as a server in 2018. Since then she has been lighting up our dining room with her infectious smile and makes everyone who walks through our doors feel like part of the community.
Meghan lives in Northfield with her family, is a fantastic cook, has an incredible house plant collection, and is often found chasing her kiddos around neighborhood parks. We are so lucky to have Meghan on our team.
Anastasia has been part of our team for just over two years. She is a line cook and the talent behind our famous Ole Roll’s 💙.
Anastasia lives in Northfield with her husband and two kids, dog, and backyard chickens! We love her spirit and kindness and couldn’t do what we do without her.
Dani
Line & Prep Cook
Dani is a line cook, prep cook, and all around team player in our kitchen. She joined the Ole Store with a passion for food and restaurants and has been a huge asset since day one.
Dani is eager to learn, calm during busy dinner service, and is never scared to tackle a big cleaning project. She cares about her work and the people around her and it shows every day she's in the restaurant
Edgar
Prep Cook
Edgar is one of those magical people who keeps this place running behind the scenes. He has been a prep cook on our team for over 3 years and now leads all lunch and dinner prep. To put it simply, our kitchen runs smoothly each week because we have Edgar keeping our coolers stocked with food.
When he's not at work he is home with family and loves participating in Northfield community events. Thank you, Edgar, for being such an amazing part of our team!