The Knead Cafe

a spirited fusion of food art and music

History of the Knead

In 1995 a native San Francisco man migrated to the flathead valley.  Familiar with the small town feel and the tourist economy he knew that in order to make a living he was going to have to bring a business up with him.  Mike, our San Francisco guy was passionate about good food and atmosphere but  had never cooked in a commercial kitchen a day in his life.

Through Mike's now ex-wife Kerry he was put in touch with Dave.  Dave was the head chef at a restaurant, The Bell Tower, located in San Francisco.  Dave  had cooked all across not only the United States but also Europe.  Not only did he have extensive experience but it was with some very well known culinary artists, to name a few, Nancy Oaks and Barney Brown.

Mike made the proposal to Dave, Move to the Flathead Valley and open a restaurant of their own.  Mike's drive for success and Dave's culinary and baking skills created the concept, The Knead. 

However, this dynamic dual soon learned that a good idea was nothing if you didn't have a place to grow your roots.  The tightness of the community and the resistance to Californians became apparent to both of these free spirits.  They eventually found a starting ground.  A Kalispell Coffee Shop, The Montana Coffee Traders, was looking to sublease their kitchen.  Dave and Mike embarked on a new relationship MCT and The Knead. 

After 3 years the terrific two were ready to branch out on their own.  They were approached by the owner of the then, Dos Amigos, restaurant Bob Riso.  He was looking to sell.  After some mild stress, and panic they had a location and in February 3, 1999  The Knead Cafe was opened.

This information was taken from interviews with Mike and Dave printed in the Flathead Living Magazine published in September/ October 2005 Volume 2 No. 5