By Melanie Aker, The new manager’s name is Ember Kleinhans, and she has been a Belle Fourche resident for most of her life. She has worked at the diner for three years and recently started managing in January of 2025.
Before becoming the general manager at Crossroads, Ember worked there as a waitress, cook, and occasionally as the Sunday omelet chef. She continues those same duties as needed but has added even more tasks to her daily schedule.
Ember believes her experience working in the kitchen and with customers before becoming a manager is one of her greatest strengths because she has seen both sides of the restaurant’s op-eration. Her past experiences have helped create fresh ideas.
The new manager has maintained a few long-standing traditions at Crossroads, such as the daily specials menu and popular Sunday buffet. However, there is a new addition of prime rib nights, which occur every other week on Friday and Saturday nights. There are also new holiday specials, along with the already existing ones.
With a collaborative spirit, Ember doesn’t see Crossroads as a place that has to compete with other restaurants because they offer such a unique experience and menu.
Ember likes to emphasize that a part of what makes her job great is the crew she works with.
She is striving to create and maintain a positive, helpful, and family-friendly environment for her workers, as well as for the customers.
As a manager, Ember enjoys interacting with Belle Fourche residents and can alwavs count on the daily coffee groups to come in to see her or her workers. Many churchgoers frequent the restaurant as well.
The local community is essential to the owners and management of Crossroads. ‘They demonstrated that by sponsoring the local soccer association by cooking them meals and delivering those meals. They also welcome celebrations, graduations, and meetings in their restaurant’s back room.
‘The crew and management look forward to continuing to serve the Belle Fourche community and all-around travelers!
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
