Owners enjoy their Den

Kimmy and Steve Kuhn never thought they’d be restaurant owners, but three weeks after opening their own place, it seems like the perfect fit.

Kuhn’s Den in downtown Geneva has been open for business since the Kuhns took ownership June 28.

The bar/restaurant was previously the Buffalo Bar and Grill. The Kuhns’ decision to go through with the purchase surprised them both.

“I didn’t think (Steve) was serious, I thought he was just kidding around,” Kimmy said. “I thought we were supposed to start relaxing, traveling …”

It all started back in March, when Steve was eating at Buffalo Bar and Grill. The former owner asked Steve if he would buy the place and Steve, not realizing he was serious, said “sure” and didn’t think about it again.

“It was just two people talking, I don’t even know how it was brought up,” Steve said.

Two weeks later when Steve was back at the restaurant, this time with Kimmy, the owner asked again, giving Steve a price. Steve decided to consider it, and in the meantime did some research about.

“(Kimmy) was not for this at all, she was against it,” Steve said. “I kept getting green lights, and I thought, ‘Maybe this is something I’m supposed to do’ … finally when she saw that I was really getting serious about buying it, she jumped on board.”

“Oh I had to, I knew he couldn’t make it without me,” Kimmy added. She has previous experience, having worked for Jinny’s Cafe in Bryant for 16 years. “We just decided we would keep going until we got a red light and we never have gotten one yet.”

Even though it’s been a hectic few weeks, including hiring all new employees, working 14-hour days apiece and trying to figure out a new menu, the Kuhns said they love their new venture.

“We’re thrilled, we’re starting to get into the groove,” Steve said.

They credit their success to their children, best friends and extended family, who have all helped out in some way, including putting on aprons and waiting tables when needed.

“We’ve been very fortunate, our family has pitched right in, our best friends. And a lot of people can’t get started the way we did,” Steve said. “We come together as a family … It was amazing, totally amazing.”

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Kuhn’s Den is open from 3 to 10 p.m.; Thursdays 3 p.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.; and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

Currently, it’s closed on Mondays, but that will change starting in September for Monday Night Football. Steve and Kimmy also plan to have entertainment every six weeks, with karaoke, a DJ or live music.

The Kuhns are still settling into their new roles as business owners, but said they are extremely happy with their decision.

“If we’d have known about this a long time ago and how much fun it was, we might have done it when we were younger,” Kimmy said. “We’re having a great time and it’s fun.”