New restaurant owner hopes to bring new life to Mt. Vernon’s Red Barn, changes ahead for longtime eating establishment

When Miguel Ramirez stopped to eat at the Red Barn in Mt. Vernon, he was struck by the lack of customers there, but he also realized the restaurant had possibilities.
“I drove by one day, and stopped by, and this place was just empty,” he said. “It was just me, my sister, and my mom here. So, I decided to call (the owners) because I was interested in buying a new place. So, I did my research in this area and found out that this place had a lot of potential if the business increased.”
Originally from Springfield, Ramirez purchased the Red Barn Café and Hen House Bakery on Monday, Jan. 28, and announced on Facebook that the restaurant was under new management on Thursday, Jan. 31. He said the Red Barn had been experiencing difficulties when he purchased it, but he believes he can turn it around.
“It was just a bad time; I took over this place in a bad situation,” he said. “You know, the reputation of this place had just run down the hill. But I’m going to be working really hard to bring it up and make this place better, like it used to be.”
While it is Ramirez’s first time owning a restaurant, he has worked in restaurants for 16 years, holding every position from bus boy to kitchen manager. He believes he can use his experience to give his customers a better dining experience, and he said he plans to start by improving the quality of the food, lowering prices and expanding the menu.
“My plan is … is to improve the menu, the quality and the prices,” he said. “The prices are going to drop, and I’m going to have a larger menu. (I’m) adding skillets to the breakfast, and omelets, and bringing the prices down.”
Besides menu orders, Ramirez said he plans to improve the buffet.
“I’m working on the buffet too, to have more items; different items people haven’t got in this place,” he said. Ramirez said he is also working with his staff to help them prepare food faster so as to decrease the customers’ wait time for their orders.
“I’m training the cooks in the way I do things; the fastest way, the easier way and the better way,” he said. “(I’ll also) train servers (to provide) quality service and faster service.”
The Red Barn is also known for its bakery, and Ramirez said customers can still look forward to having cinnamon rolls, pies and pastries there.
“Since I took over, the bakery lady has been here every day, making those things,” he said.
Though he currently lives in Branson, Ramirez said he plans to be at the Red Barn whenever it’s open to make sure things run smoothly. He said he eventually plans to move into the area.
“I’m going to be here every single day making sure things go better,” he said. “I’m hoping we can have the customers we used to have. I hope this change improves so I can have the customers back again.”
Not only does Ramirez want to improve the Red Barn’s food and service, he also plans to improve its image.
“I’m going to work really hard on giving it a brighter … appearance,” he said. “It looks dead, (and) the decorations don’t go with the building. So, I’m going to give it a paint job.”
The Red Barn Café and Henhouse Bakery is located at 107 West Mt. Vernon Blvd. and is currently open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday (Ramirez is considering changing the opening time to 6 a.m.) There is a 10-percent discount for senior citizens, and a 15-percent discount for veterans, members of law enforcement, and Mt. Vernon city employees. Take out and catering are available.
For more information, call the restaurant at (417)466-4600, or go online to their page on Facebook.