The present owner of Rusty’s Corner Cafe in Taunton, Rusty Rhymes, meets with the new owners, Brad and Courtney Norcutt

TAUNTON – Just when it looked like the door was going to be locked for the last time at Rusty’s Corner Cafe in Taunton after New Year’s Eve, a new era got its start at the 11th hour.

After months of searching for a buyer, owner Rusty Rhymer was contacted by Brad and Courtney Norcutt. The discussion process led to a purchase agreement.

As a result, the cafe will only be closed until Jan. 9. It will be the same post-New Year’s closing that’s happened when Rhymer has taken a vacation.

Rhymer advertised extensively to reach potential buyers, and also was featured on the KSFY television station in Sioux Falls, S.D..

The sale opportunity took shape with help from someone who works right across the street from the cafe. One of Brad and Courtney’s immediate family relatives, Robin Briggs, is employed at Taunton State Bank.

“We saw it as a chance to own a local cafe with a history of having a good reputation,” Courtney said. “It’s the kind of local cafe that isn’t around as much anymore. We knew this one probably wouldn’t continue if we didn’t do something about it.”

The new opportunity to own a cafe is one of two things they’re looking forward to in 2019. They are also expecting a baby in March.

Courtney said the only major change will be the name of the cafe, which will be switched from Rusty’s Corner Cafe to Duke’s Corner Cafe. Otherwise the traditions that made Rusty’s a regionally known cafe and supper club will be the same as always.

“We plan to have pretty much an identical menu,” she said. “We’re not going to change it because we know it’s been so popular. Eventually we might test out some specials, but all of the choices people like will still be available.”

Brad has prior restaurant experience at the Key Largo supper club on Valhalla Island at Lake Shetek in Murray County. He is originally from Slayton while Courtney is from Canada.

They plan to rent a farmhouse located 2 miles from Taunton as they get started with owning and operating the cafe. In the spring they intend to look into buying a home, one that’s located as close to the cafe as possible.

They’ll divide up the duties at Duke’s Corner Cafe with Brad cooking in the kitchen. Courtney will handle the front seating areas and business records.

Brad said they see both the cafe and Taunton as a long term venture.

“Some day it would be nice if we can pass it on to our kids,” Brad said. “We’re looking forward to owning it. The opportunity really fits our needs.”

Rhymer, who grew up in Wayzata, became acquainted with the cafe through his wife Paula’s family, the Breyfogles from Taunton. Even with the long hours associated with running a cafe, supper club and catering business; he found time to contribute to the Taunton community through service such as being a member of the city council.

He will be assisting with the business operations for the first part of 2019, after which the Norcutts will manage it on their own.

“I’ll still be helping out at first,” Rhymer said. “We’ll work as a team to make it a good transition.”

As the shutdown date drew closer, he began to doubt if there would be any other option than closing the business. If it had closed, the chances of reopening it would have been less than if a buyer came forward while it was still operational.

He said the 11th hour sale will create a long term business opportunity for Brad and Courtney, allow him to move on to the next stage of his life, and give loyal customers the chance to keep enjoying the cafe’s food and hometown atmosphere.

“I’m very happy with how it turned out in the end,” Rhymer said. “I think everyone will like what they see. It won’t be Rusty’s anymore, but it will still play an important role.”