She’s Back! Hebert Opens Stache’s Cookery

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Amye Hebert is back and is bringing Stache’s with her. Hebert is set to open her new restaurant, Stache’s Cookery, on Monday, February 9, and is serving up menu items that you won’t get elsewhere.

Hebert is the founder and original owner of what was Spinelli’s Italian Restaurant. “Brian [Amye’s husband] gave me the opportunity to live my dream and I loved every moment of Spinelli’s. I learned so many things; I had never owned a restaurant or a bar, both very equally challenging.”

After owning the restaurant for a period, she eventually sold it, and was seeking new ventures when a major fork was cast in her path. Hebert intended to cater dinner parties as her next step. “I was at my first party when I had my accident,” said Hebert. “I had a pot of oil blow up on my face and my arms. That was December 1, 2013 and it definitely took an entire year to recover. It was God’s way of making me come to a complete stop and evaluate.”

During 2014, Hebert was in recovery for most of the year and had plenty of time to think. She reflected on much of her life, including the restaurant business. Then, one day last December, Herbert got a call and quickly realized that it was possible for her to have a second chance at the business. Thinking back to her period of reflection and what she would do differently if given another chance, Hebert put her plans to work and began developing Stache’s Cookery. “I felt like it was time, like I could take the challenge back on. My favorite part about it was, there are not many times in life that you get a real solid second chance to do something you’re passionate about. This was my opportunity to do it again, and do it better.”

Opening in the old Spinelli’s location was perfect but Hebert wanted it to appear and feel different than before so she changed the theme and has been remodeling the restaurant to create Stache’s.

Not only will it have a new look, she has completely changed the menu. “We’re expanding our menu to be much like an vintage American bistro, anything from Cajun to Italian, to fit all budgets and all occasions.”

Although they will still carry their famous high-end steaks and lasagna, they are adding new items such as a Cajun pasta dish, the Black & Blue Burger, and hot dogs; however, they are not you’re run of the mill hot dogs, being served with ingredients like a Mexican style slaw, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard. Hebert stressed that everything is homemade, nothing from a box, “Something that’s very important to me is a scratch kitchen.” Excited about bringing down-home, from scratch food to customers, each day will have a lunch buffet so that customers can get in, eat, and get back to work within their hour break. A salad bar is another new addition and a ‘paddle board’ with cheeses and fruits. Stache’s will still maintain a bar serving old-fashion mix drinks, such as the Moscow Mule, in old-fashion copper mugs, in addition to crowd favorites. Live music will be played on the weekends, inside during winter and on the patio when weather permits.

Stache’s will have a special Valentine’s dinner on February 14 and will “make the occasion as special as you want it to be, whether it’s a white tablecloth or flowers, call and make your reservation and let us know what we can do for you,” said Hebert. Reservations can be made by calling 479-394-3737. An event specialist will also be on hand to help you plan all of your party needs.

Hebert is quick to give God the glory for this second chance. She is also quick to praise her husband, Brian. “I couldn’t do anything without Brian. He makes all of this happen for me. If it’s not behind the scenes with the kids, then it’s helping with the construction of the restaurant, or day-to-day operations, anything, he’s there.” Hebert also wants to thank the people in the community that sent cards, texts, and prayers throughout her time of healing, “I want people to know how incredibly grateful I am for the love and support. I couldn’t have made it through the year without you.”

Stache’s will be open Mondays – Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – around 10. They will be closed on Sundays. They are located at 1411 Hwy. 71 North in Mena. Stache’s Cookery will deliver multiple orders within Mena by calling 479-394-3737.

Pictured: Manager Zac ‘Stache’ Clemens

 

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