In an economy that has put many Snoqualmie Valley residents and out-of-towners on a budget, North Bend’s Riverbend Cafe and Cascade Golf Course offers necessities and treats to fit any pocketbook.
“Dining and golf are affordable luxuries, ” said Diann Pattermann, co-owner of the Riverbend Cafe and Cascade Golf Course with her husband Dean. “People may not be able to go on vacation right now or buy a new car, but at least they can take their family out to dinner and golf.”
Former dance and fitness studio owners in Southern California, the Pattermanns packed their bags and moved to the Valley to be closer to their two daughters, who moved here six years ago to start families of their own.
“We were tired of flying back and forth, so we put our business up for sale, packed my mother and moved up here,” Diann said.
Entrepreneurially minded, Dean persuaded Diann to get into the golf and restaurant industry. They opened the Riverbend Cafe and bought Cascade Golf Course, a nine-hole public course, more than a year ago.
Realizing that Dean would be very busy most days at the course, Diann focused in the restaurant. She knew what she wanted, and because of the course’s strong location near Interstate 90, she felt she could execute it successfully.
Riverbend Cafe
Offering comfort-style Americana food, the restaurant’s culinary foundation was laid by previous chef Jay Perry. After his departure, Diann made sure to keep his basics.
“I’m really pleased at the numbers we’ve done,” she said. “It’s pretty unheard of in the industry for a restaurant to do what we’ve done in the first year.”
From the beginning, Diann made sure her prices would be reasonable. She has found that it’s tough for families to dine out on a budget, and was determined to remedy that.
Riverbend Cafe’s menu presents simple yet flavorful and fresh products. With the food, the Pattermans also tout their convenient site.
“So much has to do with the location,” she said. “It’s so accessible. We get a lot of people going over the pass in the winter time. In the summer we get golfers and hikers, and locals come year round.”
General Store
Taking up another challenge to their new-found business endeavors, the Pattermanns decided to transform the former golf pro shop into a general store.
What had previously offered few items is now a one-stop shop for locals who want to avoid driving to town for everyday necessities.
“We offer a little bit of everything,” Diann said.
Besides groceries, the Cascade General Store and Gift Shop sells self-serve coffee and pastries for commuters along with an assortment of candy for children to choose from.
“When I was younger we had a five and dime store. I wanted to get that kind of feel,” she said.
The Pattermanns have attributed the success of the cafe, golf course and general store to their staff and loyal customer base.
“I’m grateful for the support of the community,” Diann said, “especially when you’re starting out. “My gratitude is to the overwhelming accolades that we get from our customers. The golfers love what Dean has done to the course.”
Appreciating the warmth and welcome from the Valley, Diann said it’s nothing like Southern California.
“When I moved here, immediately, it struck me over and over again,” she said. “In California, it’s crowded and fast-paced. People kind of look through you.”
“Here, I notice people take the time to ask how you are doing and act like they care,” Diann said. “That’s the part of it that people enjoy here. They come in, and we know who they are.”
• The Riverbend Cafe and Cascade Golf Course is located at 14303 436th Ave. S.E., North Bend, south of Exit 32. Cascade General Store is located next door at 14319 436th Ave. S.E. Call the General Store at (425) 888-2252.
