Welcome to “The Bistro"
What began as “family history research” for Jeannie Parker and her sister Kay Maune has now become a life adventure for Jeannie, her husband Cary and their youngest son Andrew. While exploring family history in Franklin County, Missouri in 2014, Jeannie and Kay stopped in Gerald, Missouri to see the home that their Mother Deolia Helling Maune grew up in and the Roller Mill that their Great Grandfather Peter and Grandfather Gustave Helling built in 1903. As soon as Jeannie laid eyes on the Gerald Roller Mill her heart was set on breathing new life into the Historic Landmark. Thus, the Journey Begins…………………
The Gerald Roller Mill was built in 1903 and was quickly recognized as a trade hub and catalyst for the growth of Gerald, Missouri and surrounding communities. In addition to the economic impact of the Mill itself, the Roller Mill and its founder Gustave Helling provided not only innovation and technological advancement to the Roller Mill but for Gerald, Missouri. One of the greatest advancements being the installation of a Power Plant in 1922 which provided electricity to the Helling home, the Roller Mill and the first Electric Street Lights for the City of Gerald. Although the Roller Mill has continued to operate in many incarnations throughout the past decades, it has failed to emulate the success achieved throughout the early and mid1900’s. The Parker family will apply their “real world” experience to restore and energize the Roller Mill while maintaining their sense of responsibility to ensure that the Gerald Roller Mill is once again a source of pride, innovation and business growth to the City of Gerald, Missouri. The Parker’s are committed to embrace the history of the Mill and the region, while utilizing modern conveniences and technology to provide Mill Visitors with excellent food & beverage offerings, exceptional customer service, made in Missouri retail offerings and unique special events and facilities.
