By Katie Banning
On Thursday, more than 450 people funneled through the doors of the Three Mile Cafe to partake in the 36th annual Thanksgiving feast that came from deep in heart of Chuck Quillin nearly four decades ago. Chuck passed away in 2023, but his legacy is alive and well. The love that flowed from that little Bonners Ferry cafe was undeniable. You can almost see Chuck with that big grin on his face and a tear in his eye, knowing that if he had fed just one, it would all be worth it.
Pouring out of the kitchen, 30 turkeys, 72 pounds of green bean casserole, 200 deviled eggs, 175 pounds of mashed potatoes, 80 pounds of sweet potatoes, 100 pounds of stuffing, 550 dinner rolls, and too many pies to count fed the masses on Thanksgiving of 2025.
The staff and volunteers made this tradition an affair to remember. It ran as smooth as the butter dripping from the mashed potatoes and they are geared up to do it again next year.
“We are so thankful to all the volunteers, those who donated food and money, and for everyone who was so patient as we prepared the food.” Three Mile manager Tia Downing said, “The donations that came in were more than we could have asked for and the recipients, we know, will be forever grateful.”
$1,800 in donations will be split four ways between Bonners Ferry High School Special Education, the Care and Share program, Second Chance Animal Adoption and the Senior Hospitality Center.
The staff at Three-Mile Cafe wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!
