Litchfield’s dining scene welcomes a new addition with the opening of Prospects, the latest venture from seasoned restaurateurs Colin and Drea Kuechle. Building on the success of their first restaurant, Keeks in Watkins, the Kuechles bring their passion for quality food and exceptional service to this new location.
Colin began his culinary career at 14 as a dishwasher at Lido’s Pizzeria in Plymouth. Despite initially pursuing economics and accounting in school, he couldn’t ignore his passion for cooking and shifted to culinary arts and restaurant management. Colin worked his way up to become an executive sous chef at the Edgewater Hotel and later played a pivotal role in expanding Noodles & Company from four restaurants to over 500, contributing to its public offering.
Drea met Colin while working at Noodles & Company. She brings her own expertise and enthusiasm, having risen from an entry-level position to area manager, traveling extensively to open new restaurants. Together, they have cultivated a vision that emphasizes quality, consistency, and a deep respect for their team and patrons. Their first venture, Keeks, was born out of a desire to offer high-quality, scratch-made American food in a small town. Keeks’ success built their reputation and set the stage for Prospects in Litchfield, where they aim to provide a fresh, family-friendly dining experience with a commitment to quality.
“Our goal is to be the place where people celebrate life’s moments,” Drea explained. “We want families, friends, and everyone in between to feel at home here.” The restaurant’s ambiance is described as an “older building with a fresh feel,” thanks to extensive renovations, particularly to the entryway.
The Kuechles emphasize their commitment to quality and consistency, taking a measured approach to menu expansion. While currently focused on perfecting their core menu, they envision eventually offering high-end dinners featuring steaks, seafood, and creative culinary experiences. “We’re focused on expanding our menu gradually, ensuring that every new dish we introduce meets our high standards. Training our team thoroughly is key to delivering a consistently excellent dining experience,” Colin said. This attention to detail is already paying off, as evidenced by the quick sell-out of their newly introduced Reuben sandwich.
Key to the seamless operation of Prospects is their partnership with VIBRANT Broadband internet and VOIP services. “VIBRANT Broadband has been a game-changer for us. The fast and reliable internet connection allows us to manage reservations, process payments, and communicate seamlessly.”
The Kuechles praise the reliability of the service and the responsiveness of the VIBRANT team, noting how it has improved connectivity issues in their building, allowed them to manage calls efficiently, and handle the demands of a busy restaurant. “We couldn’t have asked for better support,” Drea shared. “The VIBRANT team, especially Nathan and Dave, went above and beyond to help us set up our systems efficiently. Their responsiveness and expertise made a huge difference.”
“Technology plays a vital role in our day-to-day operations. With VIBRANT broadband, we’re able to streamline our processes and focus on what we do best—serving great food to our community,” added Colin.
Colin and Drea have experienced firsthand the benefits of VIBRANT services at both Keeks and Prospects. The consistent performance, coupled with exceptional customer support, has been greatly appreciated. “We’ve had our share of challenges with other vendors, but VIBRANT has been rock solid,” Colin added. “From quick installations to problem-solving, they’ve been a reliable partner.”
The Kuechles highlighted how VIBRANT’s team went above and beyond during the restaurant’s setup, particularly in resolving issues with their point-of-sale system. This level of support has been consistent across both their restaurants, making VIBRANT a trusted partner in their business growth.
As Prospects grows, the Kuechles envision it becoming a destination for special occasions and fine dining experiences in the area, bringing a taste of culinary sophistication to rural Minnesota. Colin and Drea invite the community to “come see us and grow with us.” They promise that each visit to Prospects will showcase improvements and additions to their offerings. The couple is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere where both staff and customers genuinely enjoy their experience.
As Colin and Drea reflected on their journey, they expressed gratitude for the support from the Meeker Cooperative community. “We’re excited about the future and thankful for the partnership with VIBRANT,” Drea said. “Our goal is to continue delivering exceptional dining experiences and to grow alongside this wonderful community.”
Prospects stands as a testament to the Kuechles’ dedication and the power of strong community partnerships. With a clear vision and unwavering commitment to quality, Colin and Drea are poised to make Prospects a beloved Litchfield institution.