ROCHEPORT – While many businesses and tourist attractions along the Missouri River were closed over the weekend due to flooding, a Rocheport rest stop held a big opening ceremony Friday night.
The new shop is located along the historic Katy Trail near mile marker 178. The building was a little-used prison in the 1950s that has been repurposed as a place where trail visitors can enjoy food and drinks along with live music.
The Rest Stop is the latest expansion for the Leitza family business: Vanessa Leitza and her son, Jake Leitza, currently own Old Neighborhood Cafe and also previously worked at Katfish Katy's in the area.
Vanessa's daughter, Autumn Leitza, will run The Rest Stop, which will sell food from the Old Neighborhood Cafe. “I love that we can keep the food elements intact and really create something that feels like a tradition, representing their restaurant,” Leitza said.
The Rest Stop mimics the picnic spots along the Katy Trail and is something that Leitza believes the area has long needed. “Nothing in Rocheport is open after 4 p.m. on certain days of the week,” Leitza says, “so we wanted more options for people who come to stay at the B&B here.”
For those who have never been to the Rocheport area or the Katy Trail, Leitza said it's a trip worth taking. “We're a very inclusive environment, so anyone can come and stay a while. It means something to be on the trail, and we're so happy to be a part of it.”
The owners of Cooper's Landing in Downriver announced they would be closed for the weekend due to flooding in the area.
Officials predicted last week that the Missouri River would overflow as water flowed in from other states, with water levels expected to peak on Thursday. According to past KOMU8 reports:Officials said Monday that water levels are expected to rise several feet above flood stage, but more rain could cause the waters to rise. Heavy rains earlier this week caused flooding of other rivers across mid-Missouri.
