History

Ronald and Ryan Le Baron -
Le Baron's Honker Café

He walked the Downtown Nampa streets, searching. For what he didn't exactly know. But he was a man on a mission, looking for a restaurant to call his own. He spotted a small hole-in-the-wall café, and offered the owner the enormous amount of $6,000 for the business. After she accepted, a huge lump began to swell in his throat. Wondering how he would afford the $50 a month payment he thought, "What did I just get myself into?"

Both Ronald and son Ryan Le Baron grew up in the restaurant business. Ron's parents owned a café in Reed City, Michigan. Experiencing the long hours and hard work firsthand, he vowed to never work in the restaurant business again. Yet at the age of twenty he was managing a Howard Johnson restaurant. In 1973, he and his family moved to Nampa, Idaho. For over a year he was the manager at the Country Inn. He then decided that if he was going to work that hard, he might as well own his own his own restaurant.

Taking after his father, Ryan too began his culinary experience very early. At the age of six he was on the payroll, helping dad make pies and cinnamon rolls from scratch. Soon he was washing dishes standing on a milk cartoon and side-by-side at the grill with dad, fending off the Saturday morning rush. At sixteen he was left to manage the restaurant while his parents vacationed in Michigan. Even through college, Ryan always had a hand in the restaurant. After two years living in Seattle, he’s returned with renewed motivation and inspiration.

The Honker Café has been a fixture in Downtown Nampa since the 1930's. But now its official; the year is 1974, and the beginning of Le Baron’s Honker Café. It had its humble beginning of a few booths and small counter with barstools. It was the epitome of a "Ma and Pa" Café. Ronald held down the kitchen while his wife Barbara waited tables. The café has expanded over 400% in size and now seats 110, with banquet facilities available for groups small and large. It is still world renown for its Jumbo Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Pies, Clam Chowder, Cornbread and Dinner Rolls. All of which are homemade.

Le Barons Honker Café
Le Baron’s Honker Café has been in business for over 40 years and finished a total remodel a few years ago. They could not be happier with the result. The objective was to update the restaurant with a modern, classy look; yet keep the family feel in tact. It looks as if they hit the nail on the head. Business has increased dramatically as Le Baron’s is the talk of the town. They’ve been forced to extend their hours in order to keep up with the demand.

Recently customers have been raving over Le Baron’s Prime Rib, Coconut Prawns, and fresh hand-cut salmon on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. So we invite you to experience Le Baron’s Honker Café, and welcome to the family!