Dominika Blum
Krave Café at 1801 Eisenhower Cir, Aberdeen, SD, is a locally and family-owned café and restaurantoffering a delightful fusion of European crepes, espresso and loose leaf teas, baked goods, and locally crafted items. At the heart of Krave is its founder, Dominika Blum, whose journey began far from small-town Aberdeen—in Warsaw, Poland.
Dominika grew up under the shadow of a communist regime, raised by her mother in an environment where freedom was a luxury, not a right. Her life took a turn at the age of 14 when she and her mother, along with her stepfather, immigrated to the United States. The moment she stepped off the plane at O'Hare Airport, Dominika vividly remembers how the air "smelled like freedom."
Although glad to be in a new country and embarking on a new adventure, Dominika’s journey in America wasn’t without its challenges. She arrived without knowing a word of English, immersed in a culture of abundance so different from her upbringing. Yet, she was determined to adapt and embrace all the liberties available to her. She threw herself into summer school and, within just three months, learned how to communicate in English. During those early days, Dominika’s passion for art blossomed, helping her navigate her new life. From painting to dancing, she found creative ways to express herself and connect with others.
After studying architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Dominika felt an even stronger pull toward independence. She pivoted into sales and thrived in the travel industry, sparking a deep love for exploring new places and cultures. Her travels took her to more than forty countries. During these trips Dominika did not only expand her horizons and knowledge of world views but also deepened her passion for food, showing her how every meal can tell the story of a culture. This appreciation for culinary experiences was first cultivated during her time working in a Michelin-star restaurant while in college. There, Dominika learned that elevated food service goes far beyond just placing a dish in front of a guest—it’s about crafting an immersive experience that engages all the senses.
When she moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, with her husband John, an Aberdeen native who is her rock, life, and business partner, it marked a new chapter in her life—a shift from the busy, populous streets of Chicago to the quiet, close-knit community of small-town living. Once again, Dominika saw opportunity. It was here that Krave was born: a café that blends European elegance with American spirit, not just as a place to eat, but as a community hub where the experience is as important as the food.
Dominika transformed an old church building into Krave, keeping only the original foundation, brick, rafters, and studs, and revamping the space into a warm, inviting café that reflects her love for travel, art, and quality. The layout is both intentional and charming, starting with a romantic Parisian flower wall with intimate two-seating areas for cozy conversations. In the center of the café, a cozy seating area with a fireplace adds warmth and comfort, inviting guests to relax and unwind. Further inside, four-seat tables invite friends and families to gather, while at the heart of the café is a large family table, seating up to 10. Dominika designed a space within her café for students to study, a thoughtful nod to her four and a half years as the Study Abroad Advisor Director of International Programs at Northern State University. By blending education with dining, she fosters an environment that inspires the next generation to explore and learn. This is symbolized most notably in the children’s corner, where a gold metal map of the globe reflects her passion for bringing the world to Aberdeen and encourages everyone to discover the world.
But Dominika’s journey to opening Krave wasn’t easy. Over the course of twenty eight months, she encountered numerous moments where she nearly gave up. Yet her resolve remained steadfast. Through the process she learned that running a business requires thick skin, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. For Dominika, success was never just about profit—it was about serving the community, inspiring joy, and offering something unique: a taste of the world through sips, eats and sweets, and creating shared experiences with family and friends.
In every detail, Krave embodies Dominika’s journey—from a child of communism to a passionate business owner who has made freedom, creativity, and community her life's work. Guests who visit Krave leave craving more than just food—they leave with a renewed sense of connection, community, inspiration, and an appetite for creativity. Dominika continues to bring the world to Aberdeen, one dish and one experience at a time.
