In the charming town of Watkinsville, Georgia, Amkee Ervin-Weber is the creative force behind The Traveling Hobo Cafe, a local eatery celebrated for its imaginative burgers and comforting Southern cuisine. At her cafe, Amkee seamlessly transitions between grilling, frying, and assembling dishes, embodying the spirit of culinary passion. Despite facing recent challenges with limited seating and new safety protocols, The Traveling Hobo has experienced an outpouring of support from its devoted community.
In an interview with The Red & Black, Amkee shared insights into navigating the past months, the inspiration behind her cafe’s distinctive menu, and her love for crafting the perfect burger.
A Community Gem: The Traveling Hobo Cafe’s Pandemic Story
The pandemic presented unprecedented hurdles for small businesses, and The Traveling Hobo Cafe was no exception. Amkee described the experience as a “whirlwind,” highlighting the uncertainty and constantly changing guidelines. “Nobody knows how to behave during this, so the rules were all over the place,” she explained. The initial confusion about closures and safety measures was particularly challenging for a restaurant prioritizing both customer and staff well-being.
However, this period also revealed the incredible resilience and generosity of the Watkinsville community. Amkee was deeply moved by the local support, recounting, “You wouldn’t believe how wonderful this community is, because they came out in droves.” Locals purchased gift certificates and contributed to tabs for EMS workers, ensuring they could enjoy free meals. This collective effort demonstrated the community’s commitment to the success of The Traveling Hobo and other Watkinsville restaurants during trying times. Reflecting on the community’s actions, Amkee stated, “Everybody just really wanted our business and all of the restaurants in Watkinsville really to succeed and to not go under.”
Amkee Ervin-Weber at the Travelling Hobo Cafe in Watkinsville, Georgia, on Dec. 15, 2020.
Cautious about the well-being of her small team, The Traveling Hobo Cafe was deliberate in reopening its dining room. Amkee prioritized safety, noting, “We were really the last ones to open our dining room in Watkinsville.” With only five staff members, the potential impact of illness and subsequent closure was a significant concern. This careful approach underscored Amkee’s dedication to her team and the long-term sustainability of her traveling hobo themed cafe. The dining room eventually reopened in September, marking a gradual return to normalcy, albeit with continued safety measures.
Burger Artistry: Inventive Creations at the Hobo
Amkee Ervin-Weber’s passion for burgers is the driving force behind The Traveling Hobo Cafe’s unique menu. Describing herself as a “huge burger girl,” she views burger creation as a form of artistic expression. “I’m very creative. So this is my way of painting pictures, really, or writing music. This is my thing,” Amkee explained. This creative approach is evident in the cafe’s imaginative burger offerings, which go far beyond the standard fare.
The menu boasts adventurous options like a peanut butter and banana burger, a doughnut burger, and a Frito burger. While acknowledging the doughnut burger concept isn’t entirely new, Amkee puts her own distinctive spin on it. “My donut burger is a little bit bigger than some of the donut burgers. We use big, yeasty doughnuts. And we just pile a lot of cheese and egg and bacon and all that good stuff on there,” she detailed.
Another standout is the Local Moco burger, inspired by Amkee’s time in Hawaii. This burger features a substantial patty over rice, topped with an egg and smothered in gravy, a dish she affectionately calls a “hangover cure.” For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, the Frito burger is a crowd-pleaser. “The Frito burger, I think everyone can get behind because it’s just delicious. And it has chili on it,” Amkee shared. The cafe has also experimented with Dorito and Cheeto burgers, showcasing their commitment to playful and unexpected flavor combinations.
Amkee Ervin-Weber at the Travelling Hobo Cafe in Watkinsville, Georgia, on Dec. 15, 2020.
Amkee is constantly innovating in the kitchen, ensuring there’s always something new to try at The Traveling Hobo Cafe. “We pretty much always have some sort of burger special,” she said. These weekly specials, often adventurous and experimental, are a way for Amkee to gauge customer preferences and potentially discover the next menu staple. While some creations are more successful than others, the spirit of culinary exploration is always alive at the cafe.
Beyond Beef: Exploring Exotic Meats
For diners seeking a departure from traditional beef, The Traveling Hobo Cafe offers a selection of game meats, including water buffalo, elk, and bison. Amkee’s adventurous palate, honed through her own travel experiences, inspired her to introduce these unique options. “I have always been kind of a daredevil with food. Like with my traveling, I’ll try all the local stuff. I think one of the best things about traveling is trying the food of wherever you’re going,” she explained.
Sourcing locally whenever possible, Amkee obtains water buffalo from Carrell Farms in Madison, Georgia, allowing customers to connect with the origin of their food. The elk is sourced from Wyoming, ensuring quality and authenticity. To allow customers to appreciate the nuances of each meat, The Traveling Hobo offers a slider trio featuring bison, elk, and water buffalo.
These game meats are known for their lean profiles and distinct flavors. “These meat are very game, they’re very lean, like bison is, elk is very lean. It’s not as fatty as beef,” Amkee noted. The unique taste and texture appeal to adventurous eaters and those seeking healthier alternatives. Offering these less common meats adds another layer of intrigue to the traveling hobo dining experience, sparking curiosity and conversation among diners. Amkee enjoys witnessing customers’ reactions as they try these novel offerings.
Southern Comfort and Coastal Delights
While burgers are a central draw, The Traveling Hobo Cafe’s menu extends to beloved Southern classics and coastal-inspired dishes. Amkee’s years spent in Savannah influenced the addition of “Savannah-style, beachy, fried shrimp” to the menu. The fish and chips are another popular choice, prepared with a distinctive dry batter, setting them apart from the typical beer-battered version.
Interestingly, these seafood options have become some of the cafe’s most popular items. “To be honest, these are my most popular items now, the fish and chips and the shrimp. And I’m not saying it but people have said it’s the best in Athens. That’s what I’ve heard,” Amkee humbly admitted. This unexpected success highlights the breadth of The Traveling Hobo’s appeal, catering to diverse tastes beyond just burger aficionados.
Looking to the future, Amkee remains open to growth but grounded in the present realities. “I think that, you know, you’re always looking to grow. At the moment, it’s just, with everything going on I think I’ve had to put a lot of things on hold,” she explained. The focus remains on navigating the current climate and continuing to serve the Watkinsville community with the same passion and creativity that defines The Traveling Hobo Cafe.
The experience of the past months has deepened Amkee’s appreciation for her community. “I can’t even tell you how much my eyes have been opened about the place that I live and how great these people are,” she reflected. The unwavering support shown to The Traveling Hobo and other local businesses has been a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit of Watkinsville.
