An influx of hunters put the new owners of the Wildrose Cafe in Ashley under the gun.

Eeven though they were far from ready, they gave it a shot.

Khristal Stoppleworth, owner of the café, along with her husband, Roy, are North Dakota natives. Khristal is from Jamestown and Roy from Montpelier.

They say they like the small-town atmosphere in Ashley.

Though they lived in Ellendale for 12 years, when they heard about Ashley Café needing a new owner, their interest was piqued.

Khristal said she’d heard there was a shortage of places to meet, play cards, have morning coffee as a group, and Sunday dinners for churchgoers and neighborhood people alike.

She was intrigued by the friendly atmosphere.

Roy had been working for John Deere in Ashley and now has his own mechanic business — R and K Service, a roadside repair company for farmers’ machinery.

Since Roy was already familiar with Ashley, it was a natural fit to think about the café and start it up together.

11881. will be working at the café, whenever possible, and Khristal will bartend, run the business, and has been waiting on guests. She’s put in long hours getting ready for opening — painting, ordering, and organizing in general. Her friend, Angie, helped with the painting and decorating.

As if she didn’t have enough on her plate, Khristal is finishing up a Bachelor of Science bachelor's degree through Northern State University.

In the past, she worked for Dickey Rural Network. She has also worked for Ellendale Bar and Motel, as an assistant manager.

Roy is a retired and disabled Army vet.

338805. plan on eventually having a baker in the café. German Night on Thursdays is already a big hit, as is the traditional Sunday buffet.

Roy and Khristal have three children ages: 18, 19, and 22. One of their daughters is expecting and they are looking forward to becoming grandparents.