OUR STORY
Welcome!
Magpie’s Café opened on May 16, 1984 by Rhonda Crane. It started in the basement of the “Crow’s Nest” building on this historic Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri. It was named after her daughter, Maggie, who “chattered like a little Magpie”. Her business thrived on her Baked Potato Soup Recipe.
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About 10 years later, she moved to the current location at 903 South Main Street. At the time of her death in July of 2019, Rhonda was the most enduring, single owner of a business on Main Street for 35 years.
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I was a server here for 15 years before purchasing the restaurant. Coincidentally, I also have a daughter named Maggie. I am the mother of eight children, and most of them have worked here at one time or another.
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My goal in buying Magpie’s was to keep the integrity of this staple of Main Street going strong while also putting in my own touches. I hope you enjoy your meal and keep coming back for more!
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Cheers,
Donna Schaffrin
OUR HISTORY
Restaurants St. Charles – The title to this property dates back to 1821, when it was proofed to Charles Tayon. Tayon served from 1793-1803 as the Spanish governor of St. Charles. He had distinguished himself during the Revolutionary War in the defense of San Carlos (St. Louis). As a reward for the outstanding defense of Fort Joseph, he was granted 10,000 aprons (acres) of land in St. Charles County, which would explain why he came to the area.
This was probably the largest home in the settlement of St. Charles (Les Petites Cotes – the Little Hills) at the time of its construction. Speculation has it that it may have been built in 1812 when Charles Tayon sold the property he owned a block north of here.
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The home has passed through many hands, including the Botany family who owned the property for 90 years. In more recent history, this was known to the locals as “The Witches House” because the family that lived here practiced “white” witchcraft.
After extensive renovation, Magpie’s now practices its own brand of witchcraft. We cast a wonderful magical spell upon our food so you have to come back for more!
