Tammy was born in Hastings, Minnesota, and spent most of her childhood on her grandparents’ country farm in Hastings. The farm was full of life — chickens, beef cattle, and all the daily chores that came with caring for animals. At the age of twelve and over the next seven summers Tammy detasseled corn, learning early what hard work truly meant. By age fourteen, Tammy took on bussing tables, working the salad bar, and washing dishes. Her original plan after high school was to attend Mankato College to study accounting.
Today, Tammy is married to her business partner, Travis Dee, together they have a blended family of 5 children, and live in Kasson, Minnesota.
Throughout her career, Tammy worked at several well known establishments, including:
Country Kitchen in Cannon Falls, Whistle Binkies in Rochester, Tillys in Oronoco and Smiling Moose in Rochester
Upon closing of the Smiling Moose in 2001 and with years of experience and a strong background in the restaurant industry, Tammy went to work at Tillys in Oronoco. Eventually, leasing Tillys in Oronoco, for the next five years. Tammy also worked at the Wiederholt Supper Club, another memorable stop in her restaurant journey.
Both she and her husband Travis Dee (Owners) shared the dream of owning a place rather than leasing, and they began planning for that future. After looking at several potential locations, they asked themselves the big question: Does this building have potential?
Tammy often advises others interested in opening a restaurant to talk with current owners, gather ideas, and seek suggestions. She stresses the importance of having a reliable food representative, obtaining kitchen certification (which requires ongoing education due to changing regulations), securing a liquor license, attending test kitchens, and hiring dependable staff — especially a great cook.
The name Tammy’s Place and the iconic big red glasses were her husband’s idea. Tammy wore big red glasses at the time, and the name and logo fit perfectly. Tammy’s Place in Kasson, Minnesota, was born.
Running a restaurant requires countless decisions and a deep well of knowledge. Tammy attended test kitchens, found a dependable food supplier, and carefully chose the dishes that would define her menu — balancing customer favorites, chef input, trends, and community suggestions.
After opening on March 1st 2023, Tammy’s Place quickly became a fun, welcoming place to visit, eat, drink, and meet friends.
The COVID 19 pandemic brought the biggest challenge Tammy had ever faced. Everything stopped — workers disappeared, mask mandates arrived, food shortages hit, and the bills kept coming. But Tammy was determined to survive. With the help of family, friends, and neighbors, they pushed through. Take out orders and curbside pickup kept the doors open. The restaurant industry has continued to evolve ever since.
The menu at Tammy’s Place has stayed true to its roots, offering a wide variety of dishes that appeal to nearly everyone. Popular items include: Friday fish or fish platters, Ribs every other Saturday and a BBQ Combo Platter. Tammy’s favorite feature is the Special of the Day, often paired with homemade soup. Other offerings include fish and shrimp platters, wraps, fajitas, steak dinners, burgers, salads, chili, soup, onion rings, and desserts.
Tammy is a strong supporter of local businesses and the Kasson community. She participates in school and sporting events, donates to local causes, supports fundraisers, and contributes to discount programs such as Comet Cards. She also serves as a Chamber board member.
When she is not working, Tammy enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves bingo, movies, eating out. Golf has recently become her new passion. Tammy would not change much about her life — maybe just having a little more time. She loves her job, her community, and the life she has built.
Large groups are encouraged to call ahead to reserve seating. Follow Tammy’s Place on Facebook for updates and daily specials.
Tammy’s Place
111 W Main St,
Kasson, MN
507-634-3133
