Karina's Cafe returning to downtown Whitehall

Karina's Cafe is returning to downtown Whitehall.

The business that operated from 2012 to 2015 at 14 East Legion has a tentative opening date of January 8 at the same location.

Originally opened by Andre and Melissa Snitko, the business that prides itself on providing guests a clean and friendly restaurant that serves delicious food, will be owned and operated by Karina Snitko and Henley Snitko.

Karina spent three years waiting tables for her parents when they had the restaurant, and has a passion for the industry.

When the family moved to the Virgin Islands in 2015, Karina continued to perfect her craft and love of food while working in a bakery, waiting tables, and bartending.

In July of 2017 she moved back to the Whitehall area, and after Hurricane Irma and Maria hit the Virgin Islands, her mom and other family members came back to the area until power was restored to their new island home.

The namesake of the restaurant, Karina said she might not have been able to move forward with opening without the help of her mother, adding having Henley join her as a business partner was huge. While most people who know her call her Kari, she said when they put the sign outside the location; the connection to her name and the restaurant became a big deal.

First and foremost, Karina wants customers to know they strive to use the best quality and most natural ingredients they can find, and like to get them in Montana if possible. She said they will get bread from Montana Wheat, use Bausch Potatoes from Whitehall, and will also utilize products from local farms and markets.

Karina said they make everything from scratch, and made to order at the restaurant. They also do not use pre-mixes for cooking.

The restaurant has a motto of "Just Good Food...Naturally", and Karina said that this can be often times be misunderstood with people thinking they are a health food place or something of that nature. She said what they are trying to let people know is they will use the most natural and highest qualify of ingredients possible, staying away from highly processed foods and artificial ingredients. The menu will be similar to the one in the past with "home cooked" breakfast and lunch items, but will also include more specialty burgers. Karina will also be bringing some of what she learned from the Virgin Islands and over time will be introducing Caribbean specials to the menu.

Karina's will initially be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. She said after they get things rolling they will change to more permanent hours. Karina said they would like to be open during the winter from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and in the summer from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.