Cafe Cusco

Specialties

Fun little café with recipes inspired by the healthy cuisine of Peru and the Andes Mountains. We also offer a wide variety of gluten free and vegetarian options. Located in one of Springfield’s oldest buildings on Historic C-​Street, the beautiful ambiance and delicious healthy cuisine make Café Cusco a gem and favorite among locals. Gluten-​free, vegan and vegetarian friendly with an exciting menu that appeals to all flavors from the exotic to the tame. Discover Café Cusco!

History

Established in 2013.

Café Cusco is a privately owned business. Claire Gidman and Joe Gidman (mother and son) opened the restaurant in July of 2013. After travelling extensively in Peru with his Peruvian friend, Rodrigo, Joe was excited to share the food and experiences from his journey with others. Introducing the exotic tastes of Peruvian inspired food to Springfield has been a rewarding experience for both Joe and Claire. Café Cusco is located in of one of Springfield’s oldest buildings, circa 1883, and features high copper ceilings, amazing woodwork, columns, an antique Pub bar and carved wooden covered booths. The décor is a mix of warm Latin colors and contemporary lighting. Our upstairs Summit Lounge and party room are available for small groups and general dining. Our beautiful outdoor patio features an 80 foot Peruvian inspired tile mosaic and mural by local artists, Christine Schilling and Gregg Grace. We are proud to be part of the Historic C-​Street community in Springfield,

Meet the Business Owner

Joe and Claire G.

Business Owner

As a student at College of the Ozarks, Joe met his best friend, Rodrigo, who is from Lima, Peru. Rodrigo shared many stories about Peru with Joe. After college they decided to relive those stories and flew to Peru where Joe instantly fell in love with the culture and its cuisine. Joe and Rodrigo crossed much of the country, beach hopping down the coast, sleeping under the night sky and hiking the Inca trails to Machu Picchu. One day while eating in a small café in Cusco, Rodrigo asked Joe where he would be in ten years. Without hesitation Joe exclaimed, «I’m going to open a restaurant and call it Café Cusco!»

Years later, Joe and his mother, Claire, were inside Big Momma’s Coffee Shop on Historic C-​Street. The atmosphere reminded Joe so much of Cusco and he instantly knew it was time to make his dream a reality. In July 2013 Claire and Joe became business partners and the mother and son team combined their resources and talents to bring a «Taste of Peru» to Historic C-​Street!