Specializing in a Taste of the Carolina's
Our Products
About Us
About Us
This area of our web site gives you a complete history of the candies of
"Collins Chocolates" and its beginnings as "Debbie's Delights Gourmet
Chocolates". We hope you enjoy our story!
This page has the newspaper articles and the below link will take you to
our history page.
"Collins Chocolates" and its beginnings as "Debbie's Delights Gourmet
Chocolates". We hope you enjoy our story!
This page has the newspaper articles and the below link will take you to
our history page.
Newspaper Articles from Our Past!
Telegraph Compass
North Platte, Nebraska
May 2, 1990
WOMAN WANTS TO BE THE MRS.FIELDS OF CANDIES
Maywood - Cooking has always been just a way of life for me,"says Deb Horton whose family background
includes her Father who was a chef in a prominent Chicafo hotel, her Mother who managed a German
restaurant in Chicago and a Grandmother who was associated with food at the Union Stockyards in Chicago
for 30 years.
"But none of my family makes candy except me. That is my specialty. My family kept telling me how good my
chocolates were and that I should go "commercial" with them. You're sitting on a gold mine and don't realize
it, they would say" Horton said.
To get an unbiased opinion at Christmas-time Horton sent 1/4 pound samples of her candies to the 300
accounts in a family business in Colorado. "Their comments were fantastic and really set me to thinking,"says
Horton. When she and her husband Jerry moved from Colorado to their rural home about 8 miles southwest of
Maywood last fall, she had already decided to pursue the idea of going commercial with her candies.
Horton "tested the waters" a second time at a trade show in McCook the first part of March. Here too,"the
responce was unbelievable," says Horton. Four businesses in McCook immediately extended an invitation to
be retail outlets for the products."
Horton makes over 50 kinds of candies. The list includes her gourmet chocolates, truffles, bon bons, bavarian
mints, turtles and butter creams. To perfect her recipes, Horton has tasted, tasted and tasted! "Thats the fun
part of it. " she laughs.
Working with Nebraska Economic Development officials, Horton will go to Lincoln this month to attend classes
on marketing her products. She will consult with the Food Marketing Department at the University of Nebraska
who will test the shelf life of her candy.
When all the paperwork is finished,"Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates" will become a reality. Horton
beams as she discloses her secret goal. "I want to be the Mrs. Fields of the 1990's " she says.
North Platte, Nebraska
May 2, 1990
WOMAN WANTS TO BE THE MRS.FIELDS OF CANDIES
Maywood - Cooking has always been just a way of life for me,"says Deb Horton whose family background
includes her Father who was a chef in a prominent Chicafo hotel, her Mother who managed a German
restaurant in Chicago and a Grandmother who was associated with food at the Union Stockyards in Chicago
for 30 years.
"But none of my family makes candy except me. That is my specialty. My family kept telling me how good my
chocolates were and that I should go "commercial" with them. You're sitting on a gold mine and don't realize
it, they would say" Horton said.
To get an unbiased opinion at Christmas-time Horton sent 1/4 pound samples of her candies to the 300
accounts in a family business in Colorado. "Their comments were fantastic and really set me to thinking,"says
Horton. When she and her husband Jerry moved from Colorado to their rural home about 8 miles southwest of
Maywood last fall, she had already decided to pursue the idea of going commercial with her candies.
Horton "tested the waters" a second time at a trade show in McCook the first part of March. Here too,"the
responce was unbelievable," says Horton. Four businesses in McCook immediately extended an invitation to
be retail outlets for the products."
Horton makes over 50 kinds of candies. The list includes her gourmet chocolates, truffles, bon bons, bavarian
mints, turtles and butter creams. To perfect her recipes, Horton has tasted, tasted and tasted! "Thats the fun
part of it. " she laughs.
Working with Nebraska Economic Development officials, Horton will go to Lincoln this month to attend classes
on marketing her products. She will consult with the Food Marketing Department at the University of Nebraska
who will test the shelf life of her candy.
When all the paperwork is finished,"Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates" will become a reality. Horton
beams as she discloses her secret goal. "I want to be the Mrs. Fields of the 1990's " she says.
We're just outside
of Lexington, NC
the BBQ Capital
of the World!
of Lexington, NC
the BBQ Capital
of the World!
COLLINS
CHOCOLATES
CHOCOLATES
P.O.Box 714
Linwood,
North Carolina
27299
Phone:
336-853-5200
Linwood,
North Carolina
27299
Phone:
336-853-5200
Hi-Line Enterprise
Curtis, Nebraska
November 4,1993
CANDY $45 HERE, $175 IN CHICAGO
Wellfleet - Debbie Horton, who with her husband operates the Country Inn here and who puts out gourmet
sweets, has been in Chicago to attend the Midwest Confectioners Show and to get supplies needed for the
Christmas rush for Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates.
She found gift baskets that retailed for $45 in the Wellfleet area were sold for $175 in Chicago. She also found
a lot of other differences in the industry of gourmet candy.
"We made a lot of contacts and did well in representing Nebraska," she said. Her Aunt, Barbara Novickis
attended the show with her. Mrs. Novickis has been a representative for Debbie's Delights in the Chicago area.
They visited gourmet and candy shops with samples of chocolates and designer gift baskets on display - and
many samples.
Mrs. Horton says she is going to try and fill as many orders as possible for Christmas but hopes people order early
because she already has enough orders to use up everything she ordered at the convention. They also visited
the Merchandise Mart to order paper and bows for color coordinated baskets. Last year she had eight colors and
this year she has a dozen.
This will be the last year Mrs. Horton will be working the craft shows. She has about seven to nine months of
researching to do the planning for setting up accounts and wholesaling their products year round. The product
line started with Rum Cakes, Chocolates and Caramels. Several other food products have been added since
then. Now Baskets of Debbie's Delights are being planned.
While in Chicago time was spent with 30 year veteran candy maker George Brunslick and family who own and
operate Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn,Illinois. The Brunslick's and their five children manufacture
chocolates for their retail shop and wholesale operation.
They are well known for their French Buttercreams. Brunslick also was a consultant on the Wilton Candy Book.
Bob Bloomer of Bloomer Chocolate Co. gave Mrs. Horton Brunslick's name when she was in Chicago last year
looking for equipment. She called Brunslick about a machine she couldn't find and he said to keep in touch.
This year she decided to write him for advice on who she could study under.
Mrs. Horton needed help on some problems and Brunslick offered help. "He was just wonderful. We went over
my recipes and figured out what was happening. I invited Mr. Brunslick and his family to come and visit
Nebraska and spend a few days with us. We hope to see them next year," Mrs. Horton said.
According to Mrs. Horton the most exciting thing about her trip was when she was picked up by a white stretch
limo to deliver a Victorian Basket from Debbie's Delights to Val Keminitz, a close friend of the family who
celebrated her 70th Birthday. Mrs. Keminitz also sold Debbie's Delights last year and has placed orders for next
Christmas.
Curtis, Nebraska
November 4,1993
CANDY $45 HERE, $175 IN CHICAGO
Wellfleet - Debbie Horton, who with her husband operates the Country Inn here and who puts out gourmet
sweets, has been in Chicago to attend the Midwest Confectioners Show and to get supplies needed for the
Christmas rush for Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates.
She found gift baskets that retailed for $45 in the Wellfleet area were sold for $175 in Chicago. She also found
a lot of other differences in the industry of gourmet candy.
"We made a lot of contacts and did well in representing Nebraska," she said. Her Aunt, Barbara Novickis
attended the show with her. Mrs. Novickis has been a representative for Debbie's Delights in the Chicago area.
They visited gourmet and candy shops with samples of chocolates and designer gift baskets on display - and
many samples.
Mrs. Horton says she is going to try and fill as many orders as possible for Christmas but hopes people order early
because she already has enough orders to use up everything she ordered at the convention. They also visited
the Merchandise Mart to order paper and bows for color coordinated baskets. Last year she had eight colors and
this year she has a dozen.
This will be the last year Mrs. Horton will be working the craft shows. She has about seven to nine months of
researching to do the planning for setting up accounts and wholesaling their products year round. The product
line started with Rum Cakes, Chocolates and Caramels. Several other food products have been added since
then. Now Baskets of Debbie's Delights are being planned.
While in Chicago time was spent with 30 year veteran candy maker George Brunslick and family who own and
operate Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn,Illinois. The Brunslick's and their five children manufacture
chocolates for their retail shop and wholesale operation.
They are well known for their French Buttercreams. Brunslick also was a consultant on the Wilton Candy Book.
Bob Bloomer of Bloomer Chocolate Co. gave Mrs. Horton Brunslick's name when she was in Chicago last year
looking for equipment. She called Brunslick about a machine she couldn't find and he said to keep in touch.
This year she decided to write him for advice on who she could study under.
Mrs. Horton needed help on some problems and Brunslick offered help. "He was just wonderful. We went over
my recipes and figured out what was happening. I invited Mr. Brunslick and his family to come and visit
Nebraska and spend a few days with us. We hope to see them next year," Mrs. Horton said.
According to Mrs. Horton the most exciting thing about her trip was when she was picked up by a white stretch
limo to deliver a Victorian Basket from Debbie's Delights to Val Keminitz, a close friend of the family who
celebrated her 70th Birthday. Mrs. Keminitz also sold Debbie's Delights last year and has placed orders for next
Christmas.
North Carolina
the Home of
NASCAR
the Home of
NASCAR
Brighton Park - McKinley Park LIFE
Chicago, Illinois
September 30, 1993
HORTON FINDS SUCCESS IN CANDY MAKING
Chicago native Debbie Collins Horton, now of Nebraska recently attended the Midwest Confectioners Convention held at Pheasant Run of St.
Charles. A graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School, she tried a career as an 18 wheeler truck driver, then she enrolled at the University of
Colorado and majored in business. She worked as a service representative for the Safeway Grocery Chain and then met her husband Jerry
Horton who operated J&A sports, a bait dealer and supplier.
Debbie began making chocolates to give as Christmas presents to their best accounts. When many compliments on the taste and quality of the
candy began pouring in, Debbie knew what her future held in store. The couple later bought the Country Inn Cafe in Nebraska where she creates
over 20 varieties of " Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates."
Her Aunt, Barabara Novickis of Chicago is introducing the product to shops in St. Charles and at Marshall Field's stores. Friends may write to the
candy maker, Debbie Horton, Wellfleet, Nebraska, 69170.
Chicago, Illinois
September 30, 1993
HORTON FINDS SUCCESS IN CANDY MAKING
Chicago native Debbie Collins Horton, now of Nebraska recently attended the Midwest Confectioners Convention held at Pheasant Run of St.
Charles. A graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School, she tried a career as an 18 wheeler truck driver, then she enrolled at the University of
Colorado and majored in business. She worked as a service representative for the Safeway Grocery Chain and then met her husband Jerry
Horton who operated J&A sports, a bait dealer and supplier.
Debbie began making chocolates to give as Christmas presents to their best accounts. When many compliments on the taste and quality of the
candy began pouring in, Debbie knew what her future held in store. The couple later bought the Country Inn Cafe in Nebraska where she creates
over 20 varieties of " Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates."
Her Aunt, Barabara Novickis of Chicago is introducing the product to shops in St. Charles and at Marshall Field's stores. Friends may write to the
candy maker, Debbie Horton, Wellfleet, Nebraska, 69170.
Southwest News - Herald
Chicago, Illinois
December 2, 1993
CHOCOHOLICS PLEASED WITH CANDY LADY
From being in the live bait business to creating chocolates is one heckuva transition. But thats the story behind the birth of Debbie's Delights
Gourmet Chocolates. Debbie Horton formerly of West Elsdon, and her husband Jerry, were proprietors of Jerrys Fishin Hole and 4-Star
Wholesale Bait in Colorado selling fishing supplies and catering to the likes of the Denver Broncos football team. Currently they own and
operate the Country Inn Cafe in Wellfleet Nebraska, a town with a population of 63 residents.
"We had 300 accounts and at Christmas time I made up 1/4 pound boxes of candy to send to our customers on the bait route," Horton said.
"Pretty soon the customers started calling us to get the candy. Thats how I got started." Horton's interest in making candy was sparked by a
girlfriend eight years ago. She showed her what to do and how to make three different kinds of candy. "I started messing around initially with six
recipes and now there are over 50," she noted. "Some of them came from books and others I just worked at making. I researched what the
different ingredients do and I changed everything about those early recipes. I'm pretty good at eating candy and figuring out what is in it.
The process to get her candy started was a long one. It tool three years to obtain liability insurance to operate a food producing business. The
insurance company needed copies of the couples resumes and they had to pass inspection from health department officials to make sure that
they were running a clean operation. "Its been a rough road to get where we are," Horton admitted. "But now we've started producing candy all
year round and not just at the holidays. I am fine tuning after attending the Midwest Confectioners Convention in Pheasant Run in St. Charles,
where I went to seminars and met with people in the industry. The operation is completely different from last year.."
Horton attended St. Turibius Elementary School and on a 4-year scholarship from The Knights of Columbus attended our Lady of Lourdes High
School. She left home at the age of 18 to pursue a career as an 18-wheeler truck driver. When that failed to meet her expectations, she
enrolled at the University of Colorado and majored in business. Following graduation, she took a position with Safeway Grocery Chain as a
service representative covering a five state territory for eight years.
Although her family background had her Father working as an executive chef in Chicago at major hotels and restaurants and other relatives
operating restaurants. Her Mother managed a well known german restaurant in Forest Park for an old Chicago radio personality. The last thing
Horton wanted to pursue was a food related career. "I never wanted to be in the food industry," she remarked. "My family started working us at
an early age in the business. I still cannot believe I am doing this."
Horton's line of gourmet goodies is an extensive one and limited to chocolate candy. " We make everything from scratch," she pointed out.
"Each item is handmade from start to finish. Our products include turtles, caramel,toffee, truffles, bavarian mints, Bacardi rum cakes, caramel
corn and croutons." The price for a pound of assorted chocolates is $17 and truffles sell for $20 per pound. Horton also puts together gift
baskets filled with various taste-tempting treats.
Helping to popularize Horton's candies is Judy Steel, owner of an antique shop in North Platte, Nebraska. What is her opinion on these
chocolates? "Its fantastic,"according to Steel. "The toffee is excellent. I've had a display in my store for a couple of weeks and I'm taking gift
basket orders for her. Its exciting to see someone put that much work into something. The personal touch is what always sells." Steel noted that
the gift baskets are usually purchased for hard-to-buy for people or something as a last minute gift.
Along with her background in Sales and Marketing and in order to sharpen her business skills Horton has taken business courses at the University
of Nebraska. She has become familiar with entrepreneurial methods and learning about food production as a member of the University of
Nebraska's Food Processing Centers Food Entrepreneurial Program at Lincoln which provides constant training and seminars to assist in food
processing. She worked with the Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Economical Development in forming her company. She is also listed
in the Nebraska Manufacturers Guide.
Efforts to expand her business are now going into the Chicago area. "our goal is to get our candy into Chicago stores," she explained. "We are
sending out 150 letters and samples hoping to get 25-30 accounts. We are planning on coming to Chicago in January to talk with those who
are interested in our products."
What is motivating Horton to continue her push to make a splash in the candy industry? " The chocolate industry is a real hot business right
now," she believes. "We'd like to get into the Denver market. A few years ago, there were only 18 candy stores listed in the city's phone directory
and today there are over 65. My business is still in the cradle but chocolates are hot items right now."
Chicago, Illinois
December 2, 1993
CHOCOHOLICS PLEASED WITH CANDY LADY
From being in the live bait business to creating chocolates is one heckuva transition. But thats the story behind the birth of Debbie's Delights
Gourmet Chocolates. Debbie Horton formerly of West Elsdon, and her husband Jerry, were proprietors of Jerrys Fishin Hole and 4-Star
Wholesale Bait in Colorado selling fishing supplies and catering to the likes of the Denver Broncos football team. Currently they own and
operate the Country Inn Cafe in Wellfleet Nebraska, a town with a population of 63 residents.
"We had 300 accounts and at Christmas time I made up 1/4 pound boxes of candy to send to our customers on the bait route," Horton said.
"Pretty soon the customers started calling us to get the candy. Thats how I got started." Horton's interest in making candy was sparked by a
girlfriend eight years ago. She showed her what to do and how to make three different kinds of candy. "I started messing around initially with six
recipes and now there are over 50," she noted. "Some of them came from books and others I just worked at making. I researched what the
different ingredients do and I changed everything about those early recipes. I'm pretty good at eating candy and figuring out what is in it.
The process to get her candy started was a long one. It tool three years to obtain liability insurance to operate a food producing business. The
insurance company needed copies of the couples resumes and they had to pass inspection from health department officials to make sure that
they were running a clean operation. "Its been a rough road to get where we are," Horton admitted. "But now we've started producing candy all
year round and not just at the holidays. I am fine tuning after attending the Midwest Confectioners Convention in Pheasant Run in St. Charles,
where I went to seminars and met with people in the industry. The operation is completely different from last year.."
Horton attended St. Turibius Elementary School and on a 4-year scholarship from The Knights of Columbus attended our Lady of Lourdes High
School. She left home at the age of 18 to pursue a career as an 18-wheeler truck driver. When that failed to meet her expectations, she
enrolled at the University of Colorado and majored in business. Following graduation, she took a position with Safeway Grocery Chain as a
service representative covering a five state territory for eight years.
Although her family background had her Father working as an executive chef in Chicago at major hotels and restaurants and other relatives
operating restaurants. Her Mother managed a well known german restaurant in Forest Park for an old Chicago radio personality. The last thing
Horton wanted to pursue was a food related career. "I never wanted to be in the food industry," she remarked. "My family started working us at
an early age in the business. I still cannot believe I am doing this."
Horton's line of gourmet goodies is an extensive one and limited to chocolate candy. " We make everything from scratch," she pointed out.
"Each item is handmade from start to finish. Our products include turtles, caramel,toffee, truffles, bavarian mints, Bacardi rum cakes, caramel
corn and croutons." The price for a pound of assorted chocolates is $17 and truffles sell for $20 per pound. Horton also puts together gift
baskets filled with various taste-tempting treats.
Helping to popularize Horton's candies is Judy Steel, owner of an antique shop in North Platte, Nebraska. What is her opinion on these
chocolates? "Its fantastic,"according to Steel. "The toffee is excellent. I've had a display in my store for a couple of weeks and I'm taking gift
basket orders for her. Its exciting to see someone put that much work into something. The personal touch is what always sells." Steel noted that
the gift baskets are usually purchased for hard-to-buy for people or something as a last minute gift.
Along with her background in Sales and Marketing and in order to sharpen her business skills Horton has taken business courses at the University
of Nebraska. She has become familiar with entrepreneurial methods and learning about food production as a member of the University of
Nebraska's Food Processing Centers Food Entrepreneurial Program at Lincoln which provides constant training and seminars to assist in food
processing. She worked with the Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Economical Development in forming her company. She is also listed
in the Nebraska Manufacturers Guide.
Efforts to expand her business are now going into the Chicago area. "our goal is to get our candy into Chicago stores," she explained. "We are
sending out 150 letters and samples hoping to get 25-30 accounts. We are planning on coming to Chicago in January to talk with those who
are interested in our products."
What is motivating Horton to continue her push to make a splash in the candy industry? " The chocolate industry is a real hot business right
now," she believes. "We'd like to get into the Denver market. A few years ago, there were only 18 candy stores listed in the city's phone directory
and today there are over 65. My business is still in the cradle but chocolates are hot items right now."
Omaha World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
May 1994
COUPLE MAKE WELLFLEET A SWEET SPOT
Wellfleet,Nebraska - One of the sweetest places in Nebraska is in an unlikely spot. Its the Country Inn Cafe, a converted motor home alongside
U.S. Highway 83 in Wellfleet, a village of 63 residents between North Platte and McCook.
Retired banker Donald Wilkinson praised the little cafe, and not only for its "simply superb" Sunday dinners. It is also the home of Debbie's
Delights Gourmet Chocolates, which are created in the cafe's kitchen.
Until recently the delights - including truffles, fudges, caramels, rum cakes, novelty lollipops and designer gift baskets - were better known in
Chicago. There Wilkinson said, "they were sold for an arm and a leg" in some of the finest stores. The owner -operators of this fast growing
candy factory, Debbie and Jerry Horton come from diverse backgrounds. "I was once an over-the-road truck driver,"Debbie said."Jerry was known
as the worm king of the western world" during the 20 years he operated a wholesale bait and tackle business in Colorado.
Debbie, a native of the south side of Chicago, was born into the food business. " My Dad was an Executive Chef at major Chicago Hotels and
Country Clubs. My Aunt worked for the Waitor & Waitress' Union and I grew up helping wait tables at big events," she said. Debbie attended the
University of Colorado, majoring in business. She became a field marketing rep for Safeway Grocery Chain out of their Denver Division,She got
into trucking for awhile and that is when she met her future husband Jerry. Later she trained managers for Village Inn Restaurants.
So how did they jump from service management and worms to chocolates and Wellfleet? " Nine years ago,I learned a girlfriend of mine in
Denver was making three kinds of chocolates," Debbie explained. " I couldn't believe she was making them at home. She showed me what she
was doing, and i became a chocoholic. I started making my own, and Jerry used to deliver them to his bait and tackle customers for Christmas.
They began raving about them."
"They decided to go to Wellfleet," she said,because Jerry's parents lived in Maxwell, a village east of North Platte, and he wanted to come
back to Nebraska. "We found a home at Wellfleet" she said. Finding a place to continue making chocolates was harder. We made a deal with
the former owner of the Country Inn to use his stoves after he closed for the day," Debbie said. "Then we'd work all night making chocolates for
orders we received first at Christmas, then later Valentine's and Mother's Day. He finally asked us, "why don't you just buy the restaurant and run
it so you'll have the stoves?" We did 2 1/2 years ago.
The Hortons said they decided to get serious about the chocolate business a yer ago. "We knew we had something good after Jerry talked me
into paying $250.00 for a booth at the McCook Home Show a couple of years ago," Debbie said. "I told him he was out of his mind. But big
lines formed, and we sold everything we had and had to dash home to make some more for the 3-day show."
Officials of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Food Processing Center called them on Monday after the show to ask for information about their
business. The Center has been a big help ever since," she said.
Debbie said she began working on a marketing plan during the two months she was recuperating from a near fatal operation last year. "I had
attended a candy association convention in Chicago," she said. "I met George Brunslick, a veteran candy maker for 30years, and he took me
under his wing." She said she learned a lot through Brunslick and seminars, but the rest I did myself, using 50 recipes and making everything
from scratch with the best of ingredients." Jerry's specialties are the caramels and novelty lollipops.
While still serving the Chicago area,the Hortons are rapidly expanding their Nebraska market. They have sold candy in North Platte. They said
they made a lot of contacts at the recent Nebraska Home-Based Business Association convention in Kearney. The Good Life Gallery at Kearney
, an outlet for Nebraska made products bought half the display inventory they brought to the convention.
Last week the telephone rang with Valentine's orders, and the Hortons were back to all night chocolate making after restaurant hours. Five local
women helped, as they did before Christmas. "We are going to have to find someplace bigger," Debbie said. The Hortons have bought an
empty building in Wellfleet to use for the candy factory. She said they plan to build a new restaurant alongside the highway next year.
Omaha, Nebraska
May 1994
COUPLE MAKE WELLFLEET A SWEET SPOT
Wellfleet,Nebraska - One of the sweetest places in Nebraska is in an unlikely spot. Its the Country Inn Cafe, a converted motor home alongside
U.S. Highway 83 in Wellfleet, a village of 63 residents between North Platte and McCook.
Retired banker Donald Wilkinson praised the little cafe, and not only for its "simply superb" Sunday dinners. It is also the home of Debbie's
Delights Gourmet Chocolates, which are created in the cafe's kitchen.
Until recently the delights - including truffles, fudges, caramels, rum cakes, novelty lollipops and designer gift baskets - were better known in
Chicago. There Wilkinson said, "they were sold for an arm and a leg" in some of the finest stores. The owner -operators of this fast growing
candy factory, Debbie and Jerry Horton come from diverse backgrounds. "I was once an over-the-road truck driver,"Debbie said."Jerry was known
as the worm king of the western world" during the 20 years he operated a wholesale bait and tackle business in Colorado.
Debbie, a native of the south side of Chicago, was born into the food business. " My Dad was an Executive Chef at major Chicago Hotels and
Country Clubs. My Aunt worked for the Waitor & Waitress' Union and I grew up helping wait tables at big events," she said. Debbie attended the
University of Colorado, majoring in business. She became a field marketing rep for Safeway Grocery Chain out of their Denver Division,She got
into trucking for awhile and that is when she met her future husband Jerry. Later she trained managers for Village Inn Restaurants.
So how did they jump from service management and worms to chocolates and Wellfleet? " Nine years ago,I learned a girlfriend of mine in
Denver was making three kinds of chocolates," Debbie explained. " I couldn't believe she was making them at home. She showed me what she
was doing, and i became a chocoholic. I started making my own, and Jerry used to deliver them to his bait and tackle customers for Christmas.
They began raving about them."
"They decided to go to Wellfleet," she said,because Jerry's parents lived in Maxwell, a village east of North Platte, and he wanted to come
back to Nebraska. "We found a home at Wellfleet" she said. Finding a place to continue making chocolates was harder. We made a deal with
the former owner of the Country Inn to use his stoves after he closed for the day," Debbie said. "Then we'd work all night making chocolates for
orders we received first at Christmas, then later Valentine's and Mother's Day. He finally asked us, "why don't you just buy the restaurant and run
it so you'll have the stoves?" We did 2 1/2 years ago.
The Hortons said they decided to get serious about the chocolate business a yer ago. "We knew we had something good after Jerry talked me
into paying $250.00 for a booth at the McCook Home Show a couple of years ago," Debbie said. "I told him he was out of his mind. But big
lines formed, and we sold everything we had and had to dash home to make some more for the 3-day show."
Officials of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Food Processing Center called them on Monday after the show to ask for information about their
business. The Center has been a big help ever since," she said.
Debbie said she began working on a marketing plan during the two months she was recuperating from a near fatal operation last year. "I had
attended a candy association convention in Chicago," she said. "I met George Brunslick, a veteran candy maker for 30years, and he took me
under his wing." She said she learned a lot through Brunslick and seminars, but the rest I did myself, using 50 recipes and making everything
from scratch with the best of ingredients." Jerry's specialties are the caramels and novelty lollipops.
While still serving the Chicago area,the Hortons are rapidly expanding their Nebraska market. They have sold candy in North Platte. They said
they made a lot of contacts at the recent Nebraska Home-Based Business Association convention in Kearney. The Good Life Gallery at Kearney
, an outlet for Nebraska made products bought half the display inventory they brought to the convention.
Last week the telephone rang with Valentine's orders, and the Hortons were back to all night chocolate making after restaurant hours. Five local
women helped, as they did before Christmas. "We are going to have to find someplace bigger," Debbie said. The Hortons have bought an
empty building in Wellfleet to use for the candy factory. She said they plan to build a new restaurant alongside the highway next year.
Hi-Line Enterprise
Curtis, Nebraska
July 1994
DEBBIE'S DELIGHTS IN NEW LOCATION
Wellfleet - Debbie & Jerry Horton have purchased the former post office building in Wellfleet to manufacture Debbie's Delights. The
candy business is starting to grow and the Horton's did not have any more room in their home to store merchandise used in the making of
their product line. The facility will also be used to manufacture "Country Inn Croutons", a popcorn line and a new cheesecake product
being developed at this time.
The property is large enough to expand in the future and will house some of the equipment that will be used next year when Debbie's
Delights will be expanding a line of meats to its corporate gift program. The Horton's hope to have the entire product line developed by
late 1996 when the Food Processing Center plans on having the Horton's attend their first gourmet show.
Representatives of the Food Processing Center met with the Horton's last Monday to discuss plans to develop a promotional image and
market strategy to introduce Debbie's Delights in larger more competitive markets. Over the next few months the University will visit with
the Horton's to gather information to help in developing this program.
Curtis, Nebraska
July 1994
DEBBIE'S DELIGHTS IN NEW LOCATION
Wellfleet - Debbie & Jerry Horton have purchased the former post office building in Wellfleet to manufacture Debbie's Delights. The
candy business is starting to grow and the Horton's did not have any more room in their home to store merchandise used in the making of
their product line. The facility will also be used to manufacture "Country Inn Croutons", a popcorn line and a new cheesecake product
being developed at this time.
The property is large enough to expand in the future and will house some of the equipment that will be used next year when Debbie's
Delights will be expanding a line of meats to its corporate gift program. The Horton's hope to have the entire product line developed by
late 1996 when the Food Processing Center plans on having the Horton's attend their first gourmet show.
Representatives of the Food Processing Center met with the Horton's last Monday to discuss plans to develop a promotional image and
market strategy to introduce Debbie's Delights in larger more competitive markets. Over the next few months the University will visit with
the Horton's to gather information to help in developing this program.
Omaha World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
February 1995
EXPANSION IS SWEET FOR COUPLES BUSINESS
Wellfleet, Nebraska - One of the sweetest spots in Nebraska will soon be even sweeter and more colorful. Debbie and Jerry Horton have
moved their growing candy business from the kitchen of The Country Inn cafe to a former post office in Wellfleet. "We plan to paint it pink
and make it into a gingerbread house, complete with gingerbread men and candy canes as exterior decorations," Mrs. Horton said.
The companies line of gourmet chocolates and candies got its start in the kitchen of the cafe alongside Highway 83 in Wellfleet. The
village of 63 residents is about halfway between McCook and North Platte. The cafe and candy business are Wellfleets only businesses.
The growing popularity of the candies made the purchase of the old Wellfleet post office last year a necessity, Mrs. Horton said. The
business has outgrown the kitchen of the cafe, a converted mobile home. " We needed more production space and headquarters
room,"Mrs. Horton said. "Thanks to the wonderful assistance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Food Processing Center we are
developing fast. We are moving from the cradle to the big leagues.
The Hortons run the business themselves and get temporary help during busy seasons. They said the company is getting new packaging
and boxes and adding new items to the product line. New products include Butter Creams,Caramel Popcorn and a Cheesecake Royale
Bar. The company already offered Truffles, Fudges, Caramels, Novelty Lollipops and Designer Gift Baskets.
The Hortons come from diverse backgrounds. He was known as "The Worm King of the Western World" during the 20 years he operated a
wholesale bait and tackle business in Colorado and surrounding states. Mrs. Horton, a Chicago native majored in Business at the
University of Colorado, she later became a regional service representative for Safeway Grocery Chain out of Denver, she was also once
an over-the-road truck driver. She also became a trainer for Village Inn Restaurant managers. It was during the truck driving job that she
met Jerry Horton, he had learned about cooking while working in an Italian Restaurant.
Mrs. Horton said she was born to the food business. Her Father was an Executive Chef at major Chicago hotels and country clubs. Mrs.
Horton began making chocolates about ten years ago after much trial and error and a lot of money. Soon her husband was delivering her
chocolates to bait dealers on his truck route. "They all raved about them," she said.
Horton's desire to be near his parents who lived at Maxwell, Nebraska led them to Wellfleet. "We found a home at Wellfleet and talked the
former owner of the "Country Inn Cafe" into allowing us to use its kitchen to make candy at night after closing," Mrs. Horton said. The
Hortons eventually bought the cafe. Mrs. Horton says they enjoy their western Nebraska locale. Just like our chocolates, little Wellfleet hits
the spot," Mrs. Horton said.
Omaha, Nebraska
February 1995
EXPANSION IS SWEET FOR COUPLES BUSINESS
Wellfleet, Nebraska - One of the sweetest spots in Nebraska will soon be even sweeter and more colorful. Debbie and Jerry Horton have
moved their growing candy business from the kitchen of The Country Inn cafe to a former post office in Wellfleet. "We plan to paint it pink
and make it into a gingerbread house, complete with gingerbread men and candy canes as exterior decorations," Mrs. Horton said.
The companies line of gourmet chocolates and candies got its start in the kitchen of the cafe alongside Highway 83 in Wellfleet. The
village of 63 residents is about halfway between McCook and North Platte. The cafe and candy business are Wellfleets only businesses.
The growing popularity of the candies made the purchase of the old Wellfleet post office last year a necessity, Mrs. Horton said. The
business has outgrown the kitchen of the cafe, a converted mobile home. " We needed more production space and headquarters
room,"Mrs. Horton said. "Thanks to the wonderful assistance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Food Processing Center we are
developing fast. We are moving from the cradle to the big leagues.
The Hortons run the business themselves and get temporary help during busy seasons. They said the company is getting new packaging
and boxes and adding new items to the product line. New products include Butter Creams,Caramel Popcorn and a Cheesecake Royale
Bar. The company already offered Truffles, Fudges, Caramels, Novelty Lollipops and Designer Gift Baskets.
The Hortons come from diverse backgrounds. He was known as "The Worm King of the Western World" during the 20 years he operated a
wholesale bait and tackle business in Colorado and surrounding states. Mrs. Horton, a Chicago native majored in Business at the
University of Colorado, she later became a regional service representative for Safeway Grocery Chain out of Denver, she was also once
an over-the-road truck driver. She also became a trainer for Village Inn Restaurant managers. It was during the truck driving job that she
met Jerry Horton, he had learned about cooking while working in an Italian Restaurant.
Mrs. Horton said she was born to the food business. Her Father was an Executive Chef at major Chicago hotels and country clubs. Mrs.
Horton began making chocolates about ten years ago after much trial and error and a lot of money. Soon her husband was delivering her
chocolates to bait dealers on his truck route. "They all raved about them," she said.
Horton's desire to be near his parents who lived at Maxwell, Nebraska led them to Wellfleet. "We found a home at Wellfleet and talked the
former owner of the "Country Inn Cafe" into allowing us to use its kitchen to make candy at night after closing," Mrs. Horton said. The
Hortons eventually bought the cafe. Mrs. Horton says they enjoy their western Nebraska locale. Just like our chocolates, little Wellfleet hits
the spot," Mrs. Horton said.
McCook Gazette
McCook, Nebraska
March 29, 1995
ROYAL MOTEL ADDS CANDY LINE
Barbara and Francis Van Del Hemel, owners of "The Cookie Room" located at the Royal Motel, McCook Nebraska, have announced their
distributorship for Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates, from Wellfleet.
"This is a big move for us," said Barb, "We have been thinking about adding a candy line, and we feel that Debbie's Delights would be a
nice addition to our quality products."
Debbie and Jerry Horton began their candy making business eight years ago after sending their home-made chocolates to thier bait
customers and dealers for Christmas. These customers convinced them that they had a marketable item, so they began working to market
the chocolates. With trade-marked recipes they produce over 50 kinds.
Debbie and Jerry came to Nebraska from Colorado so they could be close to Jerry's parents and when they first moved to Wellfleet used the
stoves at the Country Inn Cafe on Highway 83 when it was closed. They later purchased the cafe to make the candies, and since have
purchased the old post office for producing more candy since their busines has grown. Their reputation for the meals they serve at the
Country Inn has grown as well.
Currently, Debbie's Aunt, Barbara Novickis, is marketing the chocolates in Chicago and the Cookie Room will be distributing them
throughout southern Nebraska and northwestern Kansas.
The Van Del Hemels purchased the Cookie Room in November 1991 and have since expanded its product line to more varieties of cookies
as well as egg-less donuts and cinnamon rolls. In 1993 they purchased Lo Cal Cookies from Harlan, Iowa, and now ship to 28 states.
McCook, Nebraska
March 29, 1995
ROYAL MOTEL ADDS CANDY LINE
Barbara and Francis Van Del Hemel, owners of "The Cookie Room" located at the Royal Motel, McCook Nebraska, have announced their
distributorship for Debbie's Delights Gourmet Chocolates, from Wellfleet.
"This is a big move for us," said Barb, "We have been thinking about adding a candy line, and we feel that Debbie's Delights would be a
nice addition to our quality products."
Debbie and Jerry Horton began their candy making business eight years ago after sending their home-made chocolates to thier bait
customers and dealers for Christmas. These customers convinced them that they had a marketable item, so they began working to market
the chocolates. With trade-marked recipes they produce over 50 kinds.
Debbie and Jerry came to Nebraska from Colorado so they could be close to Jerry's parents and when they first moved to Wellfleet used the
stoves at the Country Inn Cafe on Highway 83 when it was closed. They later purchased the cafe to make the candies, and since have
purchased the old post office for producing more candy since their busines has grown. Their reputation for the meals they serve at the
Country Inn has grown as well.
Currently, Debbie's Aunt, Barbara Novickis, is marketing the chocolates in Chicago and the Cookie Room will be distributing them
throughout southern Nebraska and northwestern Kansas.
The Van Del Hemels purchased the Cookie Room in November 1991 and have since expanded its product line to more varieties of cookies
as well as egg-less donuts and cinnamon rolls. In 1993 they purchased Lo Cal Cookies from Harlan, Iowa, and now ship to 28 states.
Hi-Line Enterprise
Curtis, Nebraska
March 1995
LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS ATTEND SEMINAR
Deb Horton of Debbie's Delights in Wellfleet, and Barb Van Del Hemel of The Cookie Room in McCook, spent the weekend in Kearney at
the Art of Marketing Seminar. The event was sponsored by Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Agriculture & National
Resources, Center for Rural Community Revitalization & Development, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Horton and Van Del Hemel
went to the workshop in preparation for marketing plans for 1995.
Barb Van Del Hemel has come on board with Debbie's Delights as a distributor for their southern marketing area. Barb also handle all
natural cookies which you can find in "Chapter One Books" in Curtis as well as "The Country Inn" in Wellfleet. She also markets eggless and
sugarless donuts and cinnamon rolls in 28 states.
Debbie & Jerry Horton will travel to Chicago in May to attend The Midwest Confectioners Show, The Restaurant Convention and to explore
other marketing possiblilities in the Chicago area. The Horton's are also welcoming Rebecca Sparks and Alec Dilley to their sales team.
Rebecca will cover the western region as far as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Alec will cover the eatern region which extends to Chicago.
The Horton's returned to Kearney Monday for another workshop titled, "How to Prepare for Tradeshows". This was sponsored by the University
of Nebraska-Lincoln and prepares them for the tradeshow circuit for 1996. "I'm excited about our marketing plans. They hold a lot pf
promise for the future for Debbie's Delights and the town of Wellfleet," Horton said.
Curtis, Nebraska
March 1995
LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS ATTEND SEMINAR
Deb Horton of Debbie's Delights in Wellfleet, and Barb Van Del Hemel of The Cookie Room in McCook, spent the weekend in Kearney at
the Art of Marketing Seminar. The event was sponsored by Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Agriculture & National
Resources, Center for Rural Community Revitalization & Development, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Horton and Van Del Hemel
went to the workshop in preparation for marketing plans for 1995.
Barb Van Del Hemel has come on board with Debbie's Delights as a distributor for their southern marketing area. Barb also handle all
natural cookies which you can find in "Chapter One Books" in Curtis as well as "The Country Inn" in Wellfleet. She also markets eggless and
sugarless donuts and cinnamon rolls in 28 states.
Debbie & Jerry Horton will travel to Chicago in May to attend The Midwest Confectioners Show, The Restaurant Convention and to explore
other marketing possiblilities in the Chicago area. The Horton's are also welcoming Rebecca Sparks and Alec Dilley to their sales team.
Rebecca will cover the western region as far as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Alec will cover the eatern region which extends to Chicago.
The Horton's returned to Kearney Monday for another workshop titled, "How to Prepare for Tradeshows". This was sponsored by the University
of Nebraska-Lincoln and prepares them for the tradeshow circuit for 1996. "I'm excited about our marketing plans. They hold a lot pf
promise for the future for Debbie's Delights and the town of Wellfleet," Horton said.
Hi-Line Enterprise
Curtis, Nebraska
December 5. 1996
WELLFLEET EATERY FEATURED IN NEW BOOK
There are those of us for whom eating is more than a function, it is a passion. We think about what we are
eating,what we are going to eat, and great meals we have had in the past. Incase you were having trouble
deciding just where to eat, a Pleasant Dale, Nebraska couple have just published their second book on places to
dine, called "Second Helpings - More Eating Nebraska". A sequel to their book "Eating Nebraska" published in
1990, the Endacotts offer a light-hearted review of over 250 eating places in Nebraska.
Several area restaurants are mentioned in the book, including the Yellow Rose of Curtis and the Pool Hall in
Eustis. In one entry the Endacott's write: " A Diner in a Wellfleet mobile home! The only phone is on a pole in
the parking lot and on busy Sundays customers wait outside in their cars until someone hollers for them to come
in to dinner!
At one time, Jerry Horton was known as the "Worm King of the Western World!" Originally a meat cutter by trade,
Jerry got into the bait business in Colorado, taking a tiny business with four accounts and building it to over 800
accounts in five states. Selling the bait shop he owned in Colorado, Jerry kept his wholesale business routes and
moved to Maxwell, Nebraska to be near his folks and family. There he met his sister's best friend, Deb. Deb
Horton is a Chicago native who grew up in kitchens. Members of her family were all involved in the food business.
She went on to work for the Safeway Grocery Chain as a field marketing rep in the Denver Division before she
switched jobs and moved to Maxwell where she was a truck driver, hauling meat, and where she met her best
friends brother.....Jerry.
"After Jerry swept me off my feet, we went back to Denver and back to the bait business", Deb says. I packed
worms in the front seat of the van while we drove from account to account". It was at this time that the candy
business came about. "I made my first batch of candy on a Coleman stove in the back of the bait shop", Deb
says. "The worms were only one door away from the candy dipping!" They sent boxes of candy to bait customers
along with the worms for Christmas presents.
The Hortons moved to Maywood, living in the Bessie Richey place still delivering worms. They contacted the
then owner of the cafe at Wellfleet, Bud Votaw, to see if they could rent his kitchen at night for their
candy-making. Bud made a deal that in return for the use of the kitchen, the Hortons would cover the cafe when
Bud wanted some time off. Later they were approached about buying the cafe. The Country Inn at Wellfleet was
soon in business.
The Hortons admit that the past few years have been tough in the cafe for them. They have been focusing more
and more on the candy side of the business, developing customers in Nebraska and Colorado. "To succeed in
the restaurant business, you have to be there," Deb says. "We have recently made a commitment to extend our
hours at the cafe and be there for our customers."
Not all that long ago, the Hortons had decided to leave the Wellfleet area and move back to Colorado, but Deb
and Jerry are renewing their dedication to the Country Inn and Wellfleet, and will begin their new hours on
December 13th. Plans for the future include and addition to the restaurant for a small candy shop where Deb will
dispaly and make her "Debbie's Delights"candies. A new menu has been in the works for some time , and it is,
the Hortons say proudly "the largest menu in Nebraska" at 38 pages long. Each page has art work painted by Deb.
Long hours and hard work are only part of owning the restaurant for Deb and Jerry. "We love the food, and we
love watching people eat," Deb says. Hopefully the Hortons will be around watching us enjoy food for a long,
long time.
Curtis, Nebraska
December 5. 1996
WELLFLEET EATERY FEATURED IN NEW BOOK
There are those of us for whom eating is more than a function, it is a passion. We think about what we are
eating,what we are going to eat, and great meals we have had in the past. Incase you were having trouble
deciding just where to eat, a Pleasant Dale, Nebraska couple have just published their second book on places to
dine, called "Second Helpings - More Eating Nebraska". A sequel to their book "Eating Nebraska" published in
1990, the Endacotts offer a light-hearted review of over 250 eating places in Nebraska.
Several area restaurants are mentioned in the book, including the Yellow Rose of Curtis and the Pool Hall in
Eustis. In one entry the Endacott's write: " A Diner in a Wellfleet mobile home! The only phone is on a pole in
the parking lot and on busy Sundays customers wait outside in their cars until someone hollers for them to come
in to dinner!
At one time, Jerry Horton was known as the "Worm King of the Western World!" Originally a meat cutter by trade,
Jerry got into the bait business in Colorado, taking a tiny business with four accounts and building it to over 800
accounts in five states. Selling the bait shop he owned in Colorado, Jerry kept his wholesale business routes and
moved to Maxwell, Nebraska to be near his folks and family. There he met his sister's best friend, Deb. Deb
Horton is a Chicago native who grew up in kitchens. Members of her family were all involved in the food business.
She went on to work for the Safeway Grocery Chain as a field marketing rep in the Denver Division before she
switched jobs and moved to Maxwell where she was a truck driver, hauling meat, and where she met her best
friends brother.....Jerry.
"After Jerry swept me off my feet, we went back to Denver and back to the bait business", Deb says. I packed
worms in the front seat of the van while we drove from account to account". It was at this time that the candy
business came about. "I made my first batch of candy on a Coleman stove in the back of the bait shop", Deb
says. "The worms were only one door away from the candy dipping!" They sent boxes of candy to bait customers
along with the worms for Christmas presents.
The Hortons moved to Maywood, living in the Bessie Richey place still delivering worms. They contacted the
then owner of the cafe at Wellfleet, Bud Votaw, to see if they could rent his kitchen at night for their
candy-making. Bud made a deal that in return for the use of the kitchen, the Hortons would cover the cafe when
Bud wanted some time off. Later they were approached about buying the cafe. The Country Inn at Wellfleet was
soon in business.
The Hortons admit that the past few years have been tough in the cafe for them. They have been focusing more
and more on the candy side of the business, developing customers in Nebraska and Colorado. "To succeed in
the restaurant business, you have to be there," Deb says. "We have recently made a commitment to extend our
hours at the cafe and be there for our customers."
Not all that long ago, the Hortons had decided to leave the Wellfleet area and move back to Colorado, but Deb
and Jerry are renewing their dedication to the Country Inn and Wellfleet, and will begin their new hours on
December 13th. Plans for the future include and addition to the restaurant for a small candy shop where Deb will
dispaly and make her "Debbie's Delights"candies. A new menu has been in the works for some time , and it is,
the Hortons say proudly "the largest menu in Nebraska" at 38 pages long. Each page has art work painted by Deb.
Long hours and hard work are only part of owning the restaurant for Deb and Jerry. "We love the food, and we
love watching people eat," Deb says. Hopefully the Hortons will be around watching us enjoy food for a long,
long time.
Excerpt From the book "Second Helpings - Eating More Nebraska
We are on page 120
Country Inn
Wellfleet
The Country Inn is a mobile home turned country cafe. Singularly economical in decoration, the Inn
obviously doesn't attract customers with its looks; they come to eat. Four walls, ten tables, and a good meal
on wheels - thats the Country Inn.
The Country Inn's owners, Debbie and Jerry Horton, moved to Nebraska about five years ago. Debbie had
been a trucker and Jerry had raised worms. Before purchasing the cafe, the couple started a candy business,
Debbie's Delights. They made an arrangement with the former owner of the cafe to come in at night and use
the stoves to cook the candies. Six years ago the owner said they might as well buy the building, so they did.
With hard work,determination, and "madness" they developed successful enterprises with both the candy
business and the cafe.
When asked what makes the cafe unique, Debbie reports"that it ain't fancy and neither are we" We're a
roadside cafe in a little trailer. On Sunday people wait in their cars until we call them. Sometimes it gets
pretty confusing hollering out that front door. People have waited an hour to get in here."
Last time we visited we had the Chicken-Fried Steak. It came with a crisp salad of lettuce,cabbage,carrots
and radishes on a dinner sized plate. The Chicken- Fried Steak was excellent. It was tender, and Jerry's
special breading was flavorful. A small bowl of thick, country gravy was served on the side. The hashbrowns,a
side of vegetables, and the Chicken - Fried Steak covered the large plate. They were out of pie that night -
dang it, so they served Debbie's chocolate truffles as a dessert with the meal. Debbie's right - you don't walk
out of the Country Inn hungry.
Located twenty miles south of North Platte, the cafe makes one wonder how it could succeed in such an
isolated location. Debbie concedes that it might be the food, but she admits it might also be because it's the
only bathroom between North Platte and McCook. We agree with the customers who've asked Debbie if they
could hook up to the Country Inn and haul it, good cooking and all, back to their hometowns.
We are on page 120
Country Inn
Wellfleet
The Country Inn is a mobile home turned country cafe. Singularly economical in decoration, the Inn
obviously doesn't attract customers with its looks; they come to eat. Four walls, ten tables, and a good meal
on wheels - thats the Country Inn.
The Country Inn's owners, Debbie and Jerry Horton, moved to Nebraska about five years ago. Debbie had
been a trucker and Jerry had raised worms. Before purchasing the cafe, the couple started a candy business,
Debbie's Delights. They made an arrangement with the former owner of the cafe to come in at night and use
the stoves to cook the candies. Six years ago the owner said they might as well buy the building, so they did.
With hard work,determination, and "madness" they developed successful enterprises with both the candy
business and the cafe.
When asked what makes the cafe unique, Debbie reports"that it ain't fancy and neither are we" We're a
roadside cafe in a little trailer. On Sunday people wait in their cars until we call them. Sometimes it gets
pretty confusing hollering out that front door. People have waited an hour to get in here."
Last time we visited we had the Chicken-Fried Steak. It came with a crisp salad of lettuce,cabbage,carrots
and radishes on a dinner sized plate. The Chicken- Fried Steak was excellent. It was tender, and Jerry's
special breading was flavorful. A small bowl of thick, country gravy was served on the side. The hashbrowns,a
side of vegetables, and the Chicken - Fried Steak covered the large plate. They were out of pie that night -
dang it, so they served Debbie's chocolate truffles as a dessert with the meal. Debbie's right - you don't walk
out of the Country Inn hungry.
Located twenty miles south of North Platte, the cafe makes one wonder how it could succeed in such an
isolated location. Debbie concedes that it might be the food, but she admits it might also be because it's the
only bathroom between North Platte and McCook. We agree with the customers who've asked Debbie if they
could hook up to the Country Inn and haul it, good cooking and all, back to their hometowns.
Omaha World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
November 16, 1997
by: Tom Allan Nebraska Byways
ONE COUPLE'S MOVE TO WELLFLEET PROMPTS ANOTHER TO STAY PUT
Wellfleet, a tiny Lincoln County village of 63 residents, last week was assured of a new tourism attraction and retention of another. Les and Jan
Hosick on Thursday began dismantling one of the two earth lodges at their Dancing Leaf Lodge near Stockville in preparation for moving the
operation to the abandoned Camp Opal Springs Boy Scout Camp three miles east of Wellfleet. And, as a result, Debbie and Jerry Horton have
taken down their for sale sign in their Country Inn Cafe on U.S.Highway 83, abandoning plans to move their Debbie's Delights Gourmet
Chocolates operation to Chicago. "We had already started packing and had planned to be out of here by January," Mrs. Horton said.
However they stopped when they learned that the Hosicks had purchased the old camp. The Hortons and the Hosicks met for the first time
Thursday at the cafe. "Although we had never met, we had always admired the Hosick's courage in developing their center on rented property in
a comparatively isolated area and making such a success of it." Mrs. Horton said."We believe in the Hosick's. What they are doing is the only
reason we are staying. The busloads of students and visitors that made it to the center despite an almost impassible road in wet weather can't help
but make a major impact on more accessible Wellfleet.
The center on Medicine Creek is reached is reached by a dirt road north of Stockville, a village of 32 that is the county seat of Frontier County,
and one of the smallest county seats in Nebraska. "Yet we have had 5000 visitations a year for the last five years. Just last Saturday we had 90
regional council Girl Scouts." said Mrs. Hosick.
Mrs. Hosick was a schoolteacher for 24 years before marrying Hosick. She continued teaching by helping him introduce today's students and
visitors to primitive American Indian life. Hosick said the restrictions of making improvements on the rental property were one reason for the move.
"It will not only allow us to expand our operations, but also to make us more accessible on all weather roads to tourist," he said of the new site just
off of U.S. 83, 26 miles south of Interstate 80 and 40 miles north of McCook.
Although the Hosicks said the Overland Trails Boy Scout Council had approved the sale of 116 acres at the old Scout camp for $92,000, they are
sweating out a scheduled Nov. 28 announcement by Gov. Nelson on whether their project is included in a list of 1997 tourism initiative
Community Development Block Grants.
They have the backing of the Lincoln County Community Development Corp. which prepared their grant application and the Hortons. "We have
applied for a $150,000.00 matching grant, but regardless whether we get approval or not we are going ahead with the move to the new site."
Hosick, a Curtis native, said "If we do not get the grant, the difference will be that it will take us 10 years to accomplish what we plan instead of
the two years it will take with the grant."
Emphasizing the Hosick's determination is the dismantling of one of their two earth lodges that has taken them 400 hours of painstaking labor to
build. Hosick said the plan is to move the cured timbers to the new site, with a goal of having the reconstruction ready for use by May 1st and the
entire project ready by December, Hosick said. They plan to renovate the two cabins and lodge that were left in a run down state at the camp,
which has been used for at least two years. A lake there will be used for canoeing.
For the Hortons, the Hosicks' plans "mean we've done a complete turn around," Mrs. Horton said. They not only had up for sale their Country Inn
Cafe, described by Richard and Katerine Endacott in their "Eating Nebraska" guide as one of the states most unusual cafes, but also 21 other
properties they had accumulated in Wellfleet since their arrival from Denver eight years ago. They even had considered a sale by raffle.
Mrs. Horton said the long hours - from 80 to 100 hours a week combining their operation of the cafe with producing her gourmet chocolates - and
lack of available help were factors in their intentions to sell. She said her chocolates are favorites in Denver's Brown Palace Hotel gift shop as well
as in selected gift shops in the midwest. "I wanted to expand my candy making business nationwide and figured my hometown of Chicago would
be the place to do it," she said. "But with the potential for growth the Hosicks are bringing and the growing success of the Nebraska Bull Service
housed in the old Wellfleet school, we've decided our town is on a roll, and decided to stay."
Her husband said they're going ahead with plans to turn the old service station into a candy factory and the old post office into a gingerbread
house from which to sell their candy. They also plan to start a retail and wholesale mail-order business, Mrs. Horton said. "Tourist and visitors will
be able to get a taste of yesterday from you two," she said turning to the Hosicks, "and a taste of today from us."
NO PLACE TO HIDE
When the late World-Herald Editor Fred Ware used to ask me where I headed on the Byways, I's usually tell him "Bucktail"or "Wet Otter Trail" -
then the remotest of locations because they were ranch house post offices. With the promise of wellfleet, my modern day editors now will know
where to find me. They know I've experienced the beauty and lore of the hosick's first Dancing Leaf Lodge and gorged on Jerry's cooking and
Debbie's candies at the Horton's Country Inn.
Omaha, Nebraska
November 16, 1997
by: Tom Allan Nebraska Byways
ONE COUPLE'S MOVE TO WELLFLEET PROMPTS ANOTHER TO STAY PUT
Wellfleet, a tiny Lincoln County village of 63 residents, last week was assured of a new tourism attraction and retention of another. Les and Jan
Hosick on Thursday began dismantling one of the two earth lodges at their Dancing Leaf Lodge near Stockville in preparation for moving the
operation to the abandoned Camp Opal Springs Boy Scout Camp three miles east of Wellfleet. And, as a result, Debbie and Jerry Horton have
taken down their for sale sign in their Country Inn Cafe on U.S.Highway 83, abandoning plans to move their Debbie's Delights Gourmet
Chocolates operation to Chicago. "We had already started packing and had planned to be out of here by January," Mrs. Horton said.
However they stopped when they learned that the Hosicks had purchased the old camp. The Hortons and the Hosicks met for the first time
Thursday at the cafe. "Although we had never met, we had always admired the Hosick's courage in developing their center on rented property in
a comparatively isolated area and making such a success of it." Mrs. Horton said."We believe in the Hosick's. What they are doing is the only
reason we are staying. The busloads of students and visitors that made it to the center despite an almost impassible road in wet weather can't help
but make a major impact on more accessible Wellfleet.
The center on Medicine Creek is reached is reached by a dirt road north of Stockville, a village of 32 that is the county seat of Frontier County,
and one of the smallest county seats in Nebraska. "Yet we have had 5000 visitations a year for the last five years. Just last Saturday we had 90
regional council Girl Scouts." said Mrs. Hosick.
Mrs. Hosick was a schoolteacher for 24 years before marrying Hosick. She continued teaching by helping him introduce today's students and
visitors to primitive American Indian life. Hosick said the restrictions of making improvements on the rental property were one reason for the move.
"It will not only allow us to expand our operations, but also to make us more accessible on all weather roads to tourist," he said of the new site just
off of U.S. 83, 26 miles south of Interstate 80 and 40 miles north of McCook.
Although the Hosicks said the Overland Trails Boy Scout Council had approved the sale of 116 acres at the old Scout camp for $92,000, they are
sweating out a scheduled Nov. 28 announcement by Gov. Nelson on whether their project is included in a list of 1997 tourism initiative
Community Development Block Grants.
They have the backing of the Lincoln County Community Development Corp. which prepared their grant application and the Hortons. "We have
applied for a $150,000.00 matching grant, but regardless whether we get approval or not we are going ahead with the move to the new site."
Hosick, a Curtis native, said "If we do not get the grant, the difference will be that it will take us 10 years to accomplish what we plan instead of
the two years it will take with the grant."
Emphasizing the Hosick's determination is the dismantling of one of their two earth lodges that has taken them 400 hours of painstaking labor to
build. Hosick said the plan is to move the cured timbers to the new site, with a goal of having the reconstruction ready for use by May 1st and the
entire project ready by December, Hosick said. They plan to renovate the two cabins and lodge that were left in a run down state at the camp,
which has been used for at least two years. A lake there will be used for canoeing.
For the Hortons, the Hosicks' plans "mean we've done a complete turn around," Mrs. Horton said. They not only had up for sale their Country Inn
Cafe, described by Richard and Katerine Endacott in their "Eating Nebraska" guide as one of the states most unusual cafes, but also 21 other
properties they had accumulated in Wellfleet since their arrival from Denver eight years ago. They even had considered a sale by raffle.
Mrs. Horton said the long hours - from 80 to 100 hours a week combining their operation of the cafe with producing her gourmet chocolates - and
lack of available help were factors in their intentions to sell. She said her chocolates are favorites in Denver's Brown Palace Hotel gift shop as well
as in selected gift shops in the midwest. "I wanted to expand my candy making business nationwide and figured my hometown of Chicago would
be the place to do it," she said. "But with the potential for growth the Hosicks are bringing and the growing success of the Nebraska Bull Service
housed in the old Wellfleet school, we've decided our town is on a roll, and decided to stay."
Her husband said they're going ahead with plans to turn the old service station into a candy factory and the old post office into a gingerbread
house from which to sell their candy. They also plan to start a retail and wholesale mail-order business, Mrs. Horton said. "Tourist and visitors will
be able to get a taste of yesterday from you two," she said turning to the Hosicks, "and a taste of today from us."
NO PLACE TO HIDE
When the late World-Herald Editor Fred Ware used to ask me where I headed on the Byways, I's usually tell him "Bucktail"or "Wet Otter Trail" -
then the remotest of locations because they were ranch house post offices. With the promise of wellfleet, my modern day editors now will know
where to find me. They know I've experienced the beauty and lore of the hosick's first Dancing Leaf Lodge and gorged on Jerry's cooking and
Debbie's candies at the Horton's Country Inn.
Omaha World Herald
Omaha, Nebraska
March 29,1998
Nebraska Byways by Tom Allen
excerpt from article: EASTER PAGEANT UNITES THE GENERATIONS
"EAT TILL IT OUCHES"
Jerry and Debbie Horton, owner-operators of Wellfleet's Country Inn alongside Highway 83 between McCook and North Platte are making
sure it will continue to be one of Nebraska's folksiest.
We have a new name, "Country Inn Roadside Diner", a new slogan - Eat Till It Ouches! - and we are starting to renovate two buildings into
Country Inn Cottages so Wellfleet can boast of overnight accommodations," said the always breathlessly enthusiastic Debbie. After
catching her breath, she added, "We are getting bigger."
The Hortons have purchased a 24-X40ft used modular building that will be used to enlarge their restaurant. It will help to accommodate
the bus loads of people who are expected to stop at the restaurant during trips to Les and Jan Hosick's Dancing Leaf Earth Lodge, which is
being moved to the former boy scout camp just outside Wellfleet.
Debbie said business this year "is out of this world". We can't hold them for our Sunday special dinners. We can't wait until the earth lodge
opens."
I was scared to ask about "Rick's Resort Night," listed in the cafe's new brochure as a special event for July. Its identified Rick as Jerry's Jekyll
and Hyde alter ego and promised and "outrageous evening" while warning, "Don't wear good clothes. You must have a good sense of
humor." Debbie said she'd let me know the details in plenty of time. Stay Tuned.
Omaha, Nebraska
March 29,1998
Nebraska Byways by Tom Allen
excerpt from article: EASTER PAGEANT UNITES THE GENERATIONS
"EAT TILL IT OUCHES"
Jerry and Debbie Horton, owner-operators of Wellfleet's Country Inn alongside Highway 83 between McCook and North Platte are making
sure it will continue to be one of Nebraska's folksiest.
We have a new name, "Country Inn Roadside Diner", a new slogan - Eat Till It Ouches! - and we are starting to renovate two buildings into
Country Inn Cottages so Wellfleet can boast of overnight accommodations," said the always breathlessly enthusiastic Debbie. After
catching her breath, she added, "We are getting bigger."
The Hortons have purchased a 24-X40ft used modular building that will be used to enlarge their restaurant. It will help to accommodate
the bus loads of people who are expected to stop at the restaurant during trips to Les and Jan Hosick's Dancing Leaf Earth Lodge, which is
being moved to the former boy scout camp just outside Wellfleet.
Debbie said business this year "is out of this world". We can't hold them for our Sunday special dinners. We can't wait until the earth lodge
opens."
I was scared to ask about "Rick's Resort Night," listed in the cafe's new brochure as a special event for July. Its identified Rick as Jerry's Jekyll
and Hyde alter ego and promised and "outrageous evening" while warning, "Don't wear good clothes. You must have a good sense of
humor." Debbie said she'd let me know the details in plenty of time. Stay Tuned.
Hi-Line Enterprise
Curtis, Nebraska
March 1998
DEBBIE'S DELIGHTS MEETS QVC
Debbie and Jerry Horton and Sandy and Roland Spangler attended the QVC Trade Show in February to show Nebraska Patties candy in
order to win a spot on the popular home shopping network. Over 200 small entrepreneurs attended the show held in Grand Island as
QVC selected the top 20 producers in the state of Nebraska. Debbie and Jerry Horton were sent invitations to attend both by the Food
Processing Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the State Economical Development Department.
We were approached two years ago to show our product when QVC produced a show called "The Best of 50". In each state 20 products
were selected and the broadcasting was done in a select location within the state. It was a great opportunity for the small companies
and some really wonderful things came out of it for these small companies.
We at Debbie's Delights were not ready to handle the quantity of orders QVC was looking for at the time which was $15,000.00 worth of
product at wholesale.
The show was such a success QVC decided to try it again. This time I knew we could handle the amount of candy needed which was
brought down to $10,000.00 being the minimum order. Although we did not have a hot-stamped box and our other product was in the
process of getting analyzed in Omaha at A&L Laboratories for complete nutritional information, we went ahead to the show anyway.
QVC's people were so accommodating to all the small companies. People attending were pretty nervous because they knew what kind
of opportunities could come out of this. Showing a product on QVC shows instant credibility for a small entrepreneur.
It was really a bit hard for Debbie's Delights to attend. "We were right in the middle of our Valentine's Rush!".Debbie's Delights routes
now extend from Lincoln, Nebraska to Denver, Colorado and service 167 accounts.
In the final judging of the show 20 products were selected and 5 alternates chosen in the case that one of the original selected could
not finalize their contract with QVC. Its a lot of product to produce in 6 weeks.
Debbie's Delights was selected as one of the 5 alternates and after speaking with QVC representatives last week they were still in the
process of putting contracts together with the selected 20. So we are still hanging on.
The drop shipment department of QVC gave us some information sheets to complete and we got those faxed back to them last week.
Debbie says, " We got some good contacts at QVC now so I'm not giving up. We still will be able to send our product in in hopes of
getting selected for their regular broadcast. QVC has candy shows twice a year."
At the show the Horton's also had time to visit with Governor Ben Nelson, who took home some of their candies. We were surprised when
the Governor inquired about Wellfleet and if the old Post Office and Filling Station were still standing there. We were happy to inform
him that we owned both of those buildings and are proud of their historical background. He congratulated us on being at the show and
sent us a nice letter on how he enjoyed our product.
Curtis, Nebraska
March 1998
DEBBIE'S DELIGHTS MEETS QVC
Debbie and Jerry Horton and Sandy and Roland Spangler attended the QVC Trade Show in February to show Nebraska Patties candy in
order to win a spot on the popular home shopping network. Over 200 small entrepreneurs attended the show held in Grand Island as
QVC selected the top 20 producers in the state of Nebraska. Debbie and Jerry Horton were sent invitations to attend both by the Food
Processing Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the State Economical Development Department.
We were approached two years ago to show our product when QVC produced a show called "The Best of 50". In each state 20 products
were selected and the broadcasting was done in a select location within the state. It was a great opportunity for the small companies
and some really wonderful things came out of it for these small companies.
We at Debbie's Delights were not ready to handle the quantity of orders QVC was looking for at the time which was $15,000.00 worth of
product at wholesale.
The show was such a success QVC decided to try it again. This time I knew we could handle the amount of candy needed which was
brought down to $10,000.00 being the minimum order. Although we did not have a hot-stamped box and our other product was in the
process of getting analyzed in Omaha at A&L Laboratories for complete nutritional information, we went ahead to the show anyway.
QVC's people were so accommodating to all the small companies. People attending were pretty nervous because they knew what kind
of opportunities could come out of this. Showing a product on QVC shows instant credibility for a small entrepreneur.
It was really a bit hard for Debbie's Delights to attend. "We were right in the middle of our Valentine's Rush!".Debbie's Delights routes
now extend from Lincoln, Nebraska to Denver, Colorado and service 167 accounts.
In the final judging of the show 20 products were selected and 5 alternates chosen in the case that one of the original selected could
not finalize their contract with QVC. Its a lot of product to produce in 6 weeks.
Debbie's Delights was selected as one of the 5 alternates and after speaking with QVC representatives last week they were still in the
process of putting contracts together with the selected 20. So we are still hanging on.
The drop shipment department of QVC gave us some information sheets to complete and we got those faxed back to them last week.
Debbie says, " We got some good contacts at QVC now so I'm not giving up. We still will be able to send our product in in hopes of
getting selected for their regular broadcast. QVC has candy shows twice a year."
At the show the Horton's also had time to visit with Governor Ben Nelson, who took home some of their candies. We were surprised when
the Governor inquired about Wellfleet and if the old Post Office and Filling Station were still standing there. We were happy to inform
him that we owned both of those buildings and are proud of their historical background. He congratulated us on being at the show and
sent us a nice letter on how he enjoyed our product.
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