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Places to eat in Merritt – Kekuli Cafe

One of the best places to eat in Merritt – Kekuli Cafe

Kekuli Cafe, Merritt, BC

“Don’t panic….we have bannock”

One of the best places to eat in Merritt is Kekuli Cafe. “Don’t panic… we have Bannock” is the official slogan of Kekuli Cafe in Merritt BC. A wonderful place to enjoy a number of indigenous foods.

Before we dive into the amazing food I’d like to treat you to a look at the amazing skor bannock. You have got to try one.

skor bannock kekuli cafe merritt bc

Ohhh so yummy Skor bannock from Kekuli Cafe

How Kekuli was born?

It all started when for many years Sharon Bond wanted to own her own restaurant. Having a passion for cooking, baking and making people feel welcome. Sharon also had a passion for helping and pleasing people.

With all the other places to eat in Merritt Sharon knew she wanted to create a place like no other. Therefore that’s exactly what she did.

The Cafe

Sharon wanted a traditional cultural aboriginal ambiance. Low light pow wow music, aboriginal art, jewelry and of course aboriginal cuisine. She wanted a place where everyone would feel welcome and acknowledged. Along with her husband Darren Hogg they created one of the best places to eat in Merritt – Kekuli Cafe.

You definitely feel welcomed from the moment you walk in the doors of Kekuli Cafe.

The Name Kekuli.

It was quite interesting to find out where the name Kekuli came from. Sharon was looking for a unique name that would have an aboriginal flair to it. While reading a book by James Teit she came across the word “kekuli” which means house. Right away she knew that was the name and sent in paperwork to have it registered that day. 

The Thompson Indians used to live in these pit house( Kekuli’s)  hundreds of years ago.  These houses are build into the ground with logs, tule, dirt and grass. They were a safe, warm and happy place. That also protected the people from the elements during harsh winters.

You can still find Kekuli’s throughout the Thompson/Okanagan areas.

Kekuli Cafe pit house bannock

Photo Credit: Kekuli Cafe

Now however you can also find that warm inviting feeling of home in every Kekuli Café.

Franchise

The next step in Sharon and Darren’s endeavor was to start creating franchises. With the first being sold in December of 2018.

On Dec 1, 2018 Elijah Mack, just 22 years old, started living his dream by becoming the very first Kekuli franchise owner.  When asked what he wanted to be in 10 years he would say “I want to be my own boss.” Now Elijah is the proud owner of one of the best places to eat in Merritt.

Kekuli Cafe franchise owner

Photo credit Kekuli Cafe

Saskatoon ice tea is wonderful and refreshing treat any time of year. I love the flavor. Makes me want another one just thinking about it. My daughters favorite it the saskatoon berry smoothie.

Kekuli Cafe saskatoon ice tea

Saskatoon berry ice tea. It was so refreshing.

They have a variety of Bannock available and some amazing lunches. Fry bread tipi tacos, grilled Bannock flatbread, bannowiches, and a variety of salads. Check out their menu here.

Lunch

Oh my goodness, look at this amazing meal. So nice to have a place where everything is made fresh with fresh ingredients.

bannock blt

BLT Bannock with cran apple feta salad

BLT bannock fresh

BLT bannock at Kekuli

This BLT bannock was so amazing. The bannock was soft and warm, lettuce and tomato were fresh and no skimping on the bacon which was cooked to perfection. Must say this was the best BLT I have had in a very long time. Along with my BLT I chose to have the cranberry, apple and feta salad. It was so crisp and fresh. Accompanying the salad was a saskatoon vinaigrette dressing made in house.  Perfect for this salad. 

salad cranberry apple feta

Cranberry, apple and feta salad.

Desert I had a skor bannock. It was so fresh and I have to say better than any doughnut I have ever had. I was very tempted to buy a whole bunch of them to take home. 

Happy customers

While I was visiting there were a group from White Rock who stopped in for lunch. They were extremely thrilled with the service. One lady spoke of how Kurt, chief at Kekuli Cafe, resonated such happy vibes. They really appreciated it and would come back again for sure.

Look at these happy faces.

kekuli cafe great food eat merritt

Guests from Whiterock having lunch at Kekuli in Merritt, BC

 The Staff

When you walk into Kekuli Cafe you are greeted by the amazing staff.  They always have a smile on their faces and are ready to help you any way they can.

staff kekuli cafe

Amanda and Kurt staff at Kekuli Cafe

Kekuli Cafe isn’t just on of the best places to eat in Merritt. Friday nights they have open mic night where patrons can come and express themselves over the mic. They have had people sing, tell stories or say a poem. It’s a great way to spend some time with friends, enjoy the local talent and of course have some coffee and bannock.

So far I have tried the traditional, cinnamon sugar and skor. What kinds have you tried?

Art work

Something else you will find a Kekuli Cafe is some art from a local artist Wyatt Collins. Wyatt has such a flair for life and creates some wonderful artwork which is featured on the walls of Kekuli Cafe. There are also greeting cards with Wyatt’s artwork on them. 

local art merritt bc kekuli cafe

Art work by local artist Wyatt Collins

Other aboriginal products

There are a number of aboriginal items for sale at Kekuli Café. Some of them include Jams, jellies, coffee, pottery and cards. Stop in and have a look.

Kekuli Cafe Merritt BC

Some other offerings from Kekuli Cafe

If you are interested in having a blog showcasing your business please feel free to contact me at Experience Nicola Valley.  I would love to chat.

One of the best places to eat in Merritt – Kekuli Cafe

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Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt, BC

Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt BC

Where friends meet to eat.

You have to try a piece of the homemade pies.

Tucked around the corner from the Adelphi Hotel is this quaint little Cafe called Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt BC. Because it’s so busy you know it’s got to be good. Some of the locals seem to be there all the time. And don’t let the location fool you, this is a very popular little cafe. Which I found out upon my arrival. 

I honestly never expected this little cafe to be as busy as it was. I have been here a couple times and it’s always full. That has to tell you something. When you find a good cafe, you keep coming back. Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt, BC won’t disappoint.

Feeling Privileged

Being a blogger for Experience Nicola Valley makes me feel very privileged. I enjoy being able to share this cafe with you all. Please go, enjoy sharing a meal and having a few laughs along the way. Then share with your friends and family.

The Owner

Taking time to chat is very limited for Lynda as people are always coming and going. The whole time I was there the tables were full and at one point I thought that people were going to have to wait for a table. But, the customers are great and a couple that were finished promptly got up and allowed the new customers to have their seats. The food and service were wonderful.

Walking in.

As you walk into Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt, BC you will find the atmosphere warm and welcoming.  Lynda will always be behind the counter or serving and joking with the regulars and other customers. It was such a great feeling, I was half expecting someone to yell “Norm” lol. The cafe has a real home town feeling where all the locals hangout and you make some great new friends. Which will eventually be thought of as family by coming back more often.

Merritt, BC, Lynda's Cafe

Lynda getting supplies ready for tables.

There are a lot of great choices on the menu and one of my favorite menu items is served all day, bacon and eggs. There is something about being able to have breakfast any time of the day or night. And after spying a meal from one of the other customers having burgers and fries, I will defiantly be having that on my next visit. It looked so good, almost made me wish I had ordered it this time. But, that just makes it better for my returning visit.

burger fries, lynda's cafe

Burger from Lynda’s Cafe

Bacon and eggs are not always easy to have made exactly how you like them. The cook did and amazing job. Eggs over easy and bacon cooked a little on the crispy side is how I like it done. It was perfect, I couldn’t have been happier with my meal. I also had a glass of ice tea which was not to tart, nor to sweet. Something anyone can enjoy over and over.

Lynda's Cafe in Merritt BC

Bacon and Eggs for breakfast.

Pies

When you have a look at the homemade pies it’s hard not to want to dig right in. Pies made at Lynda’s Cafe are all made from scratch, including the pastry. Just take a look at that strawberry custard pie, yummy.  Although you may be full from your meal, I would suggest taking a piece or two home to try late. Although I had to take my piece of pie home it didn’t last too long. Let me know what you think of the pie on your next visit, I would love to hear.

pie, home made, strawberry custard

Completely home made strawberry custard pie.

One of the first thing you will notice is on the walls are some gorgeous wildlife paintings. There is a beautiful wagon wheel hanging from the ceiling that has been turned into a light fixture. And the window sills are full of the signature bobble heads. Take a look as you walk up. 

What’s the story behind the bobble heads? You’ll have to head into the cafe to find out by asking Lynda.

bobble head, cafe, merritt, bc

Bobble heads line the window sills.

Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt BC opened in Oct of 2013. Lynda has never looked back since opening. She thoroughly enjoys serving people, seeing them leave with full bellies and a smile on their faces. Joking around is another great thing about this cafe. There are always people smiling and laughing. This cafe has that home town, down to earth, family feeling while your here.

Lynda's Cafe, Lynda, Michelle, Merritt, BC

Lynda and I enjoying a laugh.

Room service

Lynda’s Cafe also offers room service for the attached Adelphi Hotel. Lynda delivered a number of meals to the hotel while I was there. Lynda’s Cafe serves meals at regular intervals throughout the day to the Adelphi Hotel.

Catering

Another service offered here at Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt BC is catering. To find out more about what Lynda offers with her catering service please contact her at the restaurant.

Lynda's Cafe, merritt BC

Outside Lynda’s Cafe

Hours of operation

Linda’s Cafe in Merritt, BC is open 7 days a week. Monday-Tues 7 am to 3 pm, Wed-Friday 7 pm to 7 pm, Saturday 7 pm to 2 pm and Sunday 9 am to 2 pm

Location

Lynda’s Cafe is located at 2101 Quilchena Ave, Merritt, BC

For bigger groups call 1-250-378-0331 to make a reservation with Lynda’s Cafe. 

Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt BC made me feel very welcome and Lynda was so easy to talk to as well. I would recommend this little cafe any day of the week. The food and atmosphere are top notch in my opinion. And I will be back many times in the future.

Lynda’s Cafe in Merritt B.C.

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