Pictured, from left, are Saira Macias, Cindy Shamblen, Ken Shamblen, April Slone, and Shari Benyousky at Blue Sky House of Pancakes in Pierceton.

By Shari Benyousky
Guest Columnist

Column Note: For this 108th column, some Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club members enjoyed Pierceton.

If you’re cruising US 30, past the rolling farmlands and into the quiet charm of Pierceton, you might just miss it. Slow down. Tucked away at 118 N. First St., you’ll find the new Blue Sky House of Pancakes. It’s more than just the fourth installment of a local restaurant chain; it’s a homecoming, a gathering place, where the best meals are served with a side of connection.

Even before you step inside, the hum of conversation and the aromas of brewing coffee, homemade soup, and bacon wrap around you. This is a place where regulars are family, and first-time visitors are made to feel like they’ve been coming for years. We were greeted by Manager Liz, Owner Bernardo, and the friendly staff of servers.

More Than Guests

Regular Ken, the Snap-on Tool Guy; and his wife, Cindy Shamblen, joined us. Cindy had almost stayed home. She had a fresh bandage next to her eye, the result of a recent skin cancer surgery.

“I wasn’t sure about coming out with this thing on my face,” she admitted with a sigh. “But then I thought, well, I guess it’s like a skin cancer PSA. So, everyone, wear your sunscreen!”

It’s that kind of unassuming, real-life honesty that you just don’t get at every diner.

Slone with her new Little Free Library and the Beaman Home hug sign.

We also welcomed wildcard guest, April Slone, the director of the Beaman Home, a vital domestic violence shelter in nearby Warsaw. April has been a pillar of the organization for almost 29 years, completing three terms as interim director before finally becoming the official director last November. She’s a Pierceton native, having lived here since the fourth grade, and still calls it home today alongside her mom and brother. April was thrilled to be our host for Pierceton.

More Than Pancakes

We debated the merits of the day’s specials with our server Saira.

“Oh yeah!” she said. “Everyone loves the famous skillets, and, of course, our pancakes and crepes.”

As we waited for our choices, April spoke about the evolution of the Beaman Home. It used to operate more secretively for security, but in 2016, it moved to its current location, a ten-bedroom secure facility. “We actually have fewer problems with security now that everyone knows where we are,” April told us.

The conversation turned to the shelter’s vital work of providing a lifeline to those seeking to break free from abuse, and Cindy asked a heartfelt question, “Can the kids stay with their moms at this facility?”

More Than Lodging

“Absolutely,” April responded without hesitation. “And don’t forget, we also provide services to men. And, when we talk about being abused, it isn’t just violence. Sometimes it’s physical, but it can also be mental or financial abuse, too.”

The Beaman Home provides comprehensive wrap-around services, helping clients find housing, food, and other stabilizing items. An average stay is about 30 days, but some need months to achieve independence. They offer classes, often with the help of Live Well, to teach finances, cooking, and other essential skills. “The new KABS line is perfect for us,” April said. “There are stops near enough to help our clients get to jobs.”

Cindy tore off a piece of her pancake for me to try and smiled. “I love your Beaman Home logo with the giant hug.” It’s a symbol of the safe embrace the organization offers.

Saira brought my chicken and mushroom gravy special with mashed potatoes and green beans. Bernardo, the chef and owner, stopped by to greet us. He runs the four Blue Sky locations (also in Ligonier, Walkerton, and Kendallville) with his family. But Pierceton is special. The family grew up in Warsaw, and for years, Bernardo dreamed of bringing a restaurant back to Kosciusko. That dream is now managed by his daughter, Liz Dominguez, who helms both Pierceton and Ligonier. “I have such amazing staff,” Liz told us. “They make it easy.”

One of those amazing staff members was our server Saira Macias, who told us more as she served many of her guests.

“Friday’s all-you-can-eat fish is the big draw,” she informed us. “But all our soups are homemade, and some people come just for that.”

Cindy Shamblen and her eye surgery patch, still looking cute with the homemade soup.

We took her advice and tried the Stuffed Green Pepper soup, a rich, savory masterpiece that was so amazing, Cindy and Ken bought an extra container to take home.

More Than a Job

As we ate, the conversation turned back to the challenges of April’s work. One of the biggest is staff burnout.

“But the rewards in this line of work are so high, so high!” she said, her face alight with passion. “Not a lot, but when you get a success, you can ride that for a whole year, you know?”

The home employs 25 full and part-time staff and utilizes interns from local colleges.

Ken asked, “How can people help?”

“Sometimes people have brought cookies or cakes for our staff, and that helps,” April said. “Things like cards and flowers make my staff feel amazing and seen for their work.” April also owns a cat that helps make her feel amazing.

“My daughter named it Albert EinSlone,” she chuckled.

If you’d like to help, the next big event for Beaman is the annual Bingo For Beaman on Oct. 16. Anyone looking for a ticket can call during regular business hours at (574) 267-7701.

More than Customers

As we wrapped up, a family at the next table greeted April. Saira nodded toward them. “They are the perfect people to take a picture of for your article because they are always here.”

They turned out to be Greg and Mary Griepentrog and their granddaughter Brooklyn, who works at Blue Sky. Their menu pick? “The stuffed pancakes are absolutely to die for.” Mary pushed her plate over for me to admire.

In a world that often feels divided, the Blue Sky House of Pancakes is a welcome reminder of the community that gathers every day. It’s where tool guys and directors, grandparents and servers, all find common ground, proving that some of the most important work, whether saving lives or serving soup, happens right here, in the heart of Pierceton.

Do you know of an interesting place, restaurant, nonprofit, or person that you’d like to see featured in Diners and Dives or Banter columns? Send Shari Benyousky of SB Communications LLC an email at [email protected].