Standing on a milk crate at seven years old, Dwayne Clark discovered that washing dishes for twenty-five cents a day could be a surprisingly happy memory. The rhythmic splash of water, the clink of plates, and the presence of his older sister working as a waitress nearby gave him a sense of belonging and purpose he’d never forget. But behind that moment was something far bigger—a mother’s determination to keep her family afloat against all odds. Decades later, that same spirit led Dwayne to found the Queen Bee Café, a cozy gathering spot that honors his mother’s legacy of kindness, connection, and food for the body and soul.

 

The original “Queen Bee,” Dwayne’s mother, Colleen, was born in England in the early 20th century, raised with the unassuming charm of an era that prized afternoon tea and polite conversation. While living and working in India, she crossed paths with an American World War II soldier. The spark between them soon turned serious, and before long Colleen found herself in Idaho, married and raising four children. But the American dream she’d hoped for slowly unraveled. After a divorce, her husband left Colleen to provide for their children alone. Colleen soon found herself juggling shifts at an airport restaurant as a line chef, while also caring for four kids at home. Money was scarce—so scarce, in fact, that each child had to pitch in from a young age just to help with basic necessities. With childcare impossible to afford, Colleen’s choice was simple: take the kids to work. For Dwayne, though, coming to the restaurant was an adventure of sorts, one that forged his remarkable work ethic and a bond with his mother that would shape the rest of his life.

 

One of Colleen’s most defining lessons came on a day when she realized the refrigerator contained only an onion and a can of condensed milk—nowhere near enough to feed a family of five. She hatched a plan to “borrow” potatoes from her workplace to make soup, promising Dwayne that she would return the favor to her employer with interest as soon as her paycheck arrived. When Dwayne, trying to be clever, joked that they might as well grab a steak instead, Colleen set him straight: “You don’t steal. And when you’re in a situation like this, you only take what you need.”

 

That potato soup helped sustain them through a lean week, becoming a tangible reminder of survival, gratitude, and honesty. Colleen’s unwavering positivity in the face of hardship became an anchor for Dwayne, who realized early on that taking care of people was not just a matter of necessity—it was the essence of community.

 

Over the years, Colleen’s example inspired Dwayne to dedicate himself to uplifting others. As the Founder and CEO of Aegis Living, he made it a priority to stand by his employees just as Colleen had taught him so many years before. “If you are there for your employees, they will be there for you,” she often said. That philosophy eventually led to the creation of the Queen Bee Café—a physical representation of Colleen’s legacy. Part coffeehouse and part gathering place, it was designed to bring people together over good food, warm conversation, and a spirit of giving.

From the start, the café operated with a philanthropic heartbeat. Proceeds from sales go toward local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and other area nonprofits. Dwayne also set up the Potato Soup Foundation, a charitable arm of Aegis that awards grants to employees and community members who find themselves in need—echoing the very crisis Colleen faced decades ago.

 

Queen Bee café fulfills its mission, offering a place for neighbors to break bread together and share stories. Walking in, you’re greeted by the aroma of fresh pastries, the gentle hum of chatter, and the knowledge that part of the proceeds will circle back to enrich the community.

Colleen’s memory lives on in every crumpet served, every cup of coffee poured, and every heartfelt conversation sparked at the Queen Bee. Her life story—born in England, crossing continents for love, raising four kids through hardship—now serves as a guiding force for an entire community. That unassuming pot of potato soup she once crafted out of necessity has become the emblem of a larger legacy, reminding us all that kindness, tenacity, and genuine concern for others can turn even the simplest meal into something truly transformative.