RAPID CITY, S.D. — Toastique, a national franchise known for clean eating and fresh ingredients, opened its first South Dakota location in Rapid City’s Block 5 location in June of this year. Co-owners Hayley and Adam Kaemingk have brought this vision to life with a goal of leadership, community, and of course: delicious food.
Hayley Kaemingk jokingly describes herself as “probably the last person you’d think to own a food store in Rapid City,” given her 20-year career in graphic design and photography. “I’ve always worked for some sort of art or design firm. I owned my own newborn and family photo studio. I am a business owner, just not in the food world.” She added that she and her husband, Adam, were used to juggling hectic schedules. “I’ve always been go, go, go. Two or three jobs with the kids, and Adam’s the same way.”
The couple began imagining a business they could run side by side. “Leadership is huge for us,” she said. “We wanted something where we could teach skills and have an impact on others. Some of our staff have never washed a table or scrubbed a toilet, and others are on their last job before retirement. It’s these life skills we really care about.”
To determine whether Toastique was the right fit for Rapid City, the Kaemingks attended the franchise’s Discovery Day in Washington, D.C. “They want you to know exactly what you’re getting into. You’re interviewing each other,” she said. After touring corporate stores and meeting the franchise team, they agreed: “Rapid City needs this.”
Why Block 5 Became Home
“We actually chose Toastique before Block 5 was built,” Kaemingk said. “We were just trying to figure out where on earth we were going to put this.”
Toastique’s requirements such as walkability, proximity to tourists and access to fitness-centered areas made Block 5 an ideal match once plans for the development emerged. “It was perfect timing,” she said. Regarding the aesthetic fit, Kaemingk remarked, “It was nice to have a clean slate because Toastique is a clean, modern brand.”
Opening Toastique within a week of Block 5’s debut was both exciting and challenging. “It was like waiting for Christmas forever,” Kaemingk said. “One day you’d see the skeleton of the building, and the next it suddenly felt real.” Construction schedules, supply delays and citywide development required patience. “It was worth the wait,” she said. “We knew it was the perfect fit for us.”
A Commitment to Clean Eating
Clean eating is central to Toastique’s identity. “Our biggest push is that there are no preservatives or added sugars in any of our menu items,” Kaemingk said. “People ask, ‘How much sugar is in your smoothie?’ None — other than the natural carbs from fruit.”
The store cold-presses juices daily. “Our juicer runs six or seven hours a day. We go through hundreds of pounds of produce,” she said. “There’s no water, no preservatives, no fillers. You throw in the beets, carrots, apples, that’s what you get.”
Even small details remain in-house. “We make our own peanut butter. We make our own hummus. We make all our spreads. There’s very little packaging that comes through our door,” she said.
Customer Response and Community Impact
Toastique opened in late June, nearly missing a major portion of the Black Hills’ tourist season. Fortunately, the store has been embraced by both visitors and locals. Haemingk noted that regulars have become an important part of the culture. “We know their names. We know their stories. It’s genuine friendships over gourmet toast.”
“We hear all the time how thankful people are that we’re here,” she added. “Some days are long and you start to second-guess yourself… but then you hear that and you remember your ‘why’.”
Toastique’s team of employees bring their own energy. “Some of them, this is their first job. Others are learning what it means to work,” she said. That includes her 16-year-old daughter. “She has to follow the same rules as everyone else. You have to be an example,” Kaemingk said with a laugh.
Toastique also attracts performers, speakers and professionals visiting The Monument. Many express pleasant surprise at Rapid City’s charm. “We’ve met a few celebrities,” she said. “They’d say things like, ‘Do you like living here? This would be a good place to retire.’ Even people who’ve never been here notice how beautiful and quiet it is.”
Looking Ahead
Toastique continues to grow as part of the downtown landscape and has no plans to slow down. With its rotating menu items and active role in the community, Toastique aims to remain a vibrant presence in Rapid City.
Asked about her favorite menu item, Kaemingk said, “The Tomato Burrata. We make our own pesto, our own ricotta. Fresh tomatoes, fluffy Rustico bread — it’s so good.” She added that the Avocado Smash remains the top seller, adding, “But ours is elevated. It’s not just avocado toast.”
As Toastique settles in, Kaemingk remains focused on people: customers, staff and community. “Leadership, strong teams, genuine relationships… that was our goal from the beginning,” she said. “And we’re really proud of what we’re building here.”
For updates on specials and events, Kaemingk said Toastique regularly posts on the Toastique Rapid City Facebook page.
