This summer, bikers on the Katy Trail can expect to see a new face at a popular pit stop in Mokane.
The Mokane Bar and Grill, famous for its extra-large cheeseburgers, has long been famous among cyclists on the trail.
Eric Byrne, a lifelong resident of Mokane, wanted to preserve the important restaurant in the small town near the Missouri River.
"My wife Jamie and I just bought this place last week," Byrne said. "The business has seemed to turn downhill the last ten years, and I wanted to change that."
Byrne, a father of two, said the restaurant often hosts visitors in town for the fishing or the trail. The summer, according to Byrne, is when business picks up.
"The Katy Trail is the highlight right now," he said. "Also a lot of people fishing with the river access."
Rick Irwin, a server at the restaurant, said the traffic from the trail is the lifeblood of the establishment.
"The Katy Trail is the best thing since sliced bread, for us," said Irwin.
Best cheeseburger on the trail
Although there are many changes and improvements coming to the restaurant, according to Irwin, there is one thing that won't be changing: their cheeseburgers.
"We have the best cheeseburger on the Katy Trail," said Irwin.
The cheeseburgers, which use a three-quarters of a pound beef patty, are large enough to be a standalone meal. According to Byrnes, they are the reason for the restaurant's fame among riders.
"The cheeseburger is our signature item. It's a monster and an abomination," said Byrnes, laughing.
Customers with larger appetite can also order the Mokane special, a cheeseburger topped with pulled pork and onion rings.
The restaurant also serves hand cut fries, catfish sandwiches, appetizers, pulled pork sandwiches and many other menu items, all of which cost less than $10.
According to Mokane residents Don Watson and Anne Quarles, first time visitors should try the cheeseburger.
"The big cheeseburger is large and juicy," said Watson.
"That's all you need," Quarles added, laughing.
Changes
Byrnes has already made changes to the restaurant, one of which is keeping the kitchen open later.
"Our grill stays open later, I cooked until 9:30 the other night," said Byrnes. "They used to turn off the grill at 7."
Byrnes also plans on bringing back live music performances a few times a month. The changes are making a positive impact on the business, and the community is also beginning to notice.
"In the last two weeks, I've seen people that haven't been here in years," Byrnes said.
Watson said it's important that the community rallies around the Byrnes family and helps them succeed.
"They're young people just getting started," Watson said. "I hope they make it."
With all the changes, Byrnes wants the community to know they are the motivation for all the improvements.
"I don't run this place, the customers do," Byrnes said.
"Everything I do, I do for the customer, and I want them to know that."