Tolsma’s Cove celebrated its 18th year in business in Avon October 13th. The owners of Tolsma’s Cove are Mark and Julie Tolsma. Eighteen years is also how long Tolsma’s Cove has been a member of the Avon Chamber of Commerce. The reason they joined the Chamber of Commerce was that it is a network of support for and from other businesses in helping to keep Avon a close-knit community. The Tolsma’s felt that being a part of the Chamber of Commerce really brought home the “Small Town-Big Heart” slogan of Avonandthatwassomethingthatthey wanted to be a part of.

Mark and Julie were both born and raisedinAvon.Theyarebothgraduates ofAvonHighSchool.TheTolsma’senjoy the small-town atmosphere that Avon provides. They live on a quaint acreage southeast of Avon where they enjoy finding stress-relief by raising goats. Avon has always been a part of their lives and always will be. They enjoy the way that the Avon community feels like one big close family.

Tolsma’s Cove was created after Mark lost his job at CR Industries when the company moved its location to Mexico. At that time, the Tolsma’s still had children in school and their daughter and youngest son did not want to leave the Avon school. It was the perfect time and opportunity for the Tolsma’s to bring a business back to life on main street while meeting new peopleandprovidingaservicetotheAvon community.

Tolsma’s Cove strives every day to provide a service to the Avon community by being a friendly welcoming place that serves wonderful food. It is a place that one can go and meet someone new and or share their life stories with others. They also make daily delicious homecooked meals.They are a very family-oriented restaurant and bar where they want families to feel that they can come in and eat and socialize. The Tolsma’s appreciate the community, and know that without the support of the community, family, and friends they would not survive as a business.

WhattheTolsma’senjoythemostabout being business owners is that it grants them the opportunity to go above and beyond when asked. They are in charge and if someone needs a meal delivered then they can make sure that it happens. Theyareveryproudtobebusinessowners in the small, friendly town of Avon. They are also proud to have their business on MainStreet.Theirbusinessisoneofmany that has kept Main Street from having empty buildings.

Tolsma’s Cove enjoys being able to give backtotheAvoncommunity.Asamember of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, they donate to and are a part of the annual Parade of Lights and Easter Egg hunt. They also support the Bon Homme County 4-H, Tabor Czech Days, local Girl Scouts, Shriner Circus, the rodeo, Avon Post Prom, AvonScienceFair,AvonSchoolStudents of the Month, and buy from local kids selling items for various fundraisers.

They have no employees. It is just Mark and Julie that do everything at Tolsma’s Cove. It is truly amazing considering their days and hours of operation. Tolsma’s Cove is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday from 9 am until 2 am. On Sundaytheyareopenfrom9a.m.until1 p.m. and serve a wonderful family-style Sunday dinner.

Theyfeelthattheirbusinessisunique in that they provide a noon special Monday through Friday and Sunday with their family-style dinner. They offer drink specials during holidays and sometimes just because. They also known for their 8 oz hand pattied burgers and homemade dumplings. Their family-style meals include real mashed potatoes, veggies, meat, dinner roll and dessert. They have steak specials on weekends. Every third Friday they serve prime rib. They also have Indian tacos on Wednesday nights and Wings on Thursday nights.

Tolsma’s Cove carries hats and T-shirtsthatareavailableforpurchase. During Christmas, they will set up a cash and carry counter.

Thank you, Tolsma’s Cove, for being this month’s featured Avon Chamber of Commerce business. Congratulations on your 18 years in business in Avon.