Photo by Jim Muchlinski New Corner Cafe owner Blaine Foreman (left) signs ownership papers with Deutz Auctioneers after purchasing the cafe in Tuesday’s auction. Foreman paid $20,000 as the only bidder. The sale includes all equipment, furnishings and a vehicle that was used for catering.

TAUNTON — A community landmark was sold at auction Tuesday for a lower than expected price.

The Corner Cafe was sold after Blaine Foreman of Le Mars, Iowa, submitted a bid of $20,000. The sale included the cafe property, along with all equipment, furnishings and a catering van.

“I heard it was for sale and saw it as a good business opportunity,” Foreman said. “I came here ready to bid. I’m happy to be the new owner, and I’m very satisfied with the price.”

Troy Deutz of the Marshall-based Deutz Auctioneers began the auction with a request for an opening bid of $25,000. When no one bid, he entertained a $20,000 opening bid and received it from Foreman.

The auctioneers called for a short break when no other bids were received. They then made a final call for any higher bids before pronouncing the property sold.

Foreman said he plans to turn the cafe into a bar and restaurant business. He owns two other similar establishments.

He said part of his interest in Taunton is because of personal ties. He has relatives in the area, and one of his aunts used to work at the Corner Cafe.

He has no definite target date for re-opening the business but plans to have it operational in the near future.

“The auction gives me a good starting point,” he said. “Now my goal is to get it up and running. I’m looking forward to seeing it open.”

Most recently known as Duke’s Corner Cafe, the business has been closed for more than a year. Previous owners Brad and Courtney Norcutt closed their doors in 2020 because of the COVID pandemic and never reopened.

The Norcutts bought the business in December 2018 from Rusty Rhymer, who operated it for 30 years as Rusty’s Corner Cafe.

Rhymer was known regionally for bringing people to Taunton. His specialties included prime rib dinners and Sunday brunches. At the same time, the cafe served as a popular gathering place for the community of 139 residents.

Taunton Mayor Mike Breyfogle, who attended Tuesday’s auction, expressed satisfaction with its results. The business has been a cornerstone of the community, together with Taunton State Bank, the Tri-County Veterinary Clinic and branch of the regional Farmers Cooperative elevator.

“I’m happy that we have a new owner who has confidence in us,” Breyfogle said. “He has ties to the area and he’s getting a great bargain. There’s a lot of potential. He’ll benefit from plenty of hometown loyalty.”

Deutz received several other inquiries in the weeks preceding the auction. He’d predicted more than one bidder and a higher final sale price.

He said he’s pleased, however, that his marketing efforts led to new ownership for the Corner Cafe along with plans to bring it back into operation.

“It was nice to see the crowd that came out for the sale,” Deutz said. “It shows that people care about their town. They definitely want the business to reopen.”