What do you get when you combine two well-loved Springfield businesses? A recipe for success.
Torte & Iron Café, which celebrated its much-anticipated grand reopening on July 19, offers a variety of delicious foods, including an all-day brunch, sandwiches, and salads, and an iconic lineup of baked goods. The new business is a result of a merger between Ironworks Waffle Cafe, Crust & Company, and Le Torte Dolci Bakery; three businesses that had previously operated individually, just a few blocks away from one another in Springfield.
The grand reopening hosted hundreds of customers and was described by the Co-owners Lisa and Dan Freeman as an “incredible day” where they enjoyed interacting with the community again after their big move.
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“We had a wonderful time and enjoyed visiting, sharing and laughing with our community. We heard a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement around what we’ve created.” Dan says.
Combining their strengths and customer bases into something new and exciting, Dan and Lisa explain that their decision to merge the three businesses was based both on opportunity and strategic necessity.
“We realized combining them into one unified concept would allow us to focus our efforts, streamline operations, and create a stronger brand,” Lisa Freeman, who acts as the executive chef and general manager, says.
The reopening comes after weeks of planning. She describes the decision fondly, noting how the merger has presented new opportunities for growth and connection.
“The process has been fast-paced, emotional, and rewarding — we’re saying goodbye to two familiar names, but what we’re building feels even more intentional and exciting,” Lisa adds.
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Torte & Iron CafeDan Freeman, who manages back-end operations for Torte & Iron, looks to customer responses as a driving factor for the merger. He emphasizes the feedback in the transition, noting that they were heavily influenced by popular items when creating the new menu.
“We’ve been listening closely to feedback — what people loved most from each concept helped guide what we kept on the menu,” he says.
He adds that this rebrand offers an opportunity to reach both returning and new customers.
“In turn, the rebranding gives us the chance to reintroduce ourselves in a fresh, confident way,” Dan explains.
Both owners say they recognize the community’s need for an inviting and friendly space and reflect on their commitment to achieving that through this business.
“Springfield deserves cool, locally-owned places to gather — and we’re proud to help write that story,” he continues.
When it comes to the merger, there have been plenty of ups and downs. While there have been many good things to come out of it, Lisa shares that one of the biggest positive outcomes so far has been fine-tuning their brand with customers in mind.
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Customers line up for the grand opening of Torte & Iron Cafe.“This gives us a chance to offer a more cohesive menu and experience and elevate our space,” she explains, “It also lets us focus on what we do best — artisan baking and bold, crave-worthy brunch — while reducing complexity behind the scenes.”
When it comes to the difficult parts of the process, Lisa points to the emotional turmoil associated with departing from their previous brands they spent years building.
“But the most rewarding part is seeing it all come together — new signage going up, customers taking photos of their waffles, and staff feeling energized about the change. It feels like a new chapter, not a closing one,” she says.
Early results show a positive reception, as the new space is attracting new customers. Both owners hope to continue this trend with their brand and say they hope continued growth is in their future.
"We’re already seeing new faces and more repeat visits, and we’re just getting started,” Lisa says.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Dan adds. “People are curious and excited about what’s next, and many have said the new brand just 'feels right.’”
Both owners are appreciative of the positive responses, both from their customers and their staff.
“We knew making such a big change in such a short time would be a challenge,” Dan shares. “But our community showed up, our team showed up—and we’re more energized than ever.”
Looking ahead, Torte & Iron plans to expand its food and drink options. This includes the future introduction of beers, wines, and signature cocktails. These planned expansions are part of their commitment to providing their customers with the best that they have to offer, fostering both community and quality.
“Our mission is to create a warm, welcoming space that brings people together over delicious food made with high-quality ingredients,” Lisa says. “We want to offer comfort, quality, and a sense of place. The merger helps by simplifying our brand and sharpening our focus, so we can deliver a consistently great experience.”
This focus on simplification is key to their ability to maintain high standards across all aspects of the business and stand as a representation of these owners’ commitment to quality.
“We’re so grateful for the support this community continues to show us,” they share. “We are also passionate about delivering high-quality options to the city we love.”
Torte & Iron Café is located at 36B N Fountain Ave. in Springfield. The café is open Tuesday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. They provide options for dine-in service, to-go ordering, and offer free Wi-Fi, making Torte & Iron a practical option for various customer needs, from a quick meal to a workspace. For more information on their menu and services, interested individuals can
visit their website.