Ahhh, the humble spud. The terrific tuber.
Who doesn’t love potatoes? (That’s a rhetorical question because if you say you don’t, you’ll probably break Chef Desmond Keefe’s heart.)
For years, Keefe has been paying tribute to everyone’s favorite starch through The Humble Spud, building a loyal following at local farmers’ markets and through his catering business. His creative potato dishes and other yummy foods have earned plenty of devoted fans who keep coming back for more.
Now, The Humble Spud has officially found a permanent home.
The Humble Spud Cafe is now open at 1 Madison Avenue in Mount Holly, giving customers a cozy spot to enjoy Chef Desmond’s signature creations while also offering a convenient place to pick up the frozen entrees that his customers love.
It’s truly a family affair, too. Chef Desmond’s wife, Carol, jokingly told me she serves as the cafe’s “head cashier,” but to be fair, she is his partner in this whole thing. She also was responsible for the interior decor. Jake and Ashley, two graduates from the Culinary Arts Center at Rowan College at Burlington County, located right in Mount Holly, round out the team. Although the Keefe’s children are not involved at this time, some dishes feature their names.
As you might expect, the potato is the undisputed star of the menu.
The cafe’s signature offering is a fully customizable Build Your Own Potato. Diners start by choosing a base—whether that’s a baked potato, baked sweet potato, French fries, or crispy tots. From there, they can add a hearty protein (or skip it altogether) before finishing it off with an impressive variety of toppings at different price points.
The possibilities are nearly endless, so you can keep it simple or create a loaded masterpiece. It’s ultimately YOUR creation so go crazy and build the loaded potato of your dreams.
If decision-making isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Many of The Humble Spud’s most popular creations are prepared fresh each day and available as grab-and-go meals or to enjoy in the cafe’s comfortable 40-seat dining room.
The space itself is just as fun as the menu. Whimsical artwork, potato-themed décor, and playful touches throughout celebrate the mighty spud and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Fresh coffee, bottled soft drinks, and water are also available.
For now, The Humble Spud Cafe will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. With farmers market season still in full swing, Chef Desmond and his team will continue serving customers at the Collingswood and Burlington farmers markets on Saturday mornings, and other spots throughout Burlington County.
Once market season winds down, customers can also look forward to expanded hours, weekend service, and special pop-up dinner events.
Be sure to follow The Humble Spud on Instagram for updates, special events, and future announcements. If you’re a potato lover, this new Mount Holly cafe might just become your new favorite lunch spot.
All photos are by Marilyn Johnson and should not be used without permission.
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.