NEAT Club enjoys annual breakfast stop at Anna Mae's

Anna Mae's owner Amanda Herrfort takes a seat on Ron Neeb's 1959 John Deere-Lanz tractor during the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club's breakfast gathering in Millbank. Joining her are, from left, Harold Bruulsema, John Schyff, Joe Detzler and Ron Neeb. Neeb said relatively few John Deere-Lanz tractors were produced. Originally built in Germany by Lanz, the company was later acquired by John Deere. The tractor produces 28 horsepower from a single-cylinder engine. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) enjoyed another popular breakfast outing last Thursday when they gathered at Anna Mae's Bakery and Restaurant in Millbank.

Owner Amanda Herrfort and her staff opened early to welcome nearly 35 antique tractor drivers and numerous other club members for their annual reserved breakfast.

This year marks Herrfort's 25th anniversary as owner of the well-known Millbank restaurant and bakery, a destination that has become a favourite stop for both local residents and visitors from across Ontario.

A farm girl at heart, Herrfort always enjoys visiting with tractor enthusiasts and learning about the vintage machines they bring to club events.

Members say her energy, enthusiasm and sense of humour make Anna Mae's one of their favourite breakfast destinations.

While the restaurant normally opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner service, special arrangements are often made for groups such as the NEAT Club.

The bakery opens daily at 7 a.m., while the restaurant serves customers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and welcomes numerous tour buses throughout the summer and fall tourism season.

Anna Mae's has built a reputation for serving homemade meals and baked goods that remind visitors of traditional family cooking.

"It is the kind of food Grandma used to make," many visitors often say.

Herrfort credits much of the restaurant's success to her dedicated staff and loyal customers.

She said she feels fortunate to have strong local support and enjoys welcoming visitors from both near and far throughout the year.