If you can dream it...
Kelly Q’s and Whippers Dairy, located at 188 N. Main St. in Walton, is the vision of Kelly and Jackie Hunter. There is a popular quote, “If you can dream it, you can have it.” And this is exactly what happened for the Hunters! From early childhood, Kelly had always dreamed of having his own restaurant. As my wife and I listened to Kelly tell the story of his life as his family moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, we were able to feel his passion for being in the restaurant business. His early experience was taking orders at a very early age with enthusiastic energy. Being as young as he was, Kelly said the adults would always double check the orders with the customers to be sure it was all in place. Still, the elders saw what happiness this brought him and he continued taking orders, which provided the experience for building his dream. Along with this, his grandmother owned a bakery which also gave Kelly food service experience and learning how to communicate with customers, which is very important for anyone dealing with the public.
...you can have it.
With relentless passion, Kelly continued to get as much experience as possible to build his confidence in owning his own business. Although, there were times when work led him away from the service arena, he stayed focused on his dream. One momentous day in 1992, Kelly was making truck deliveries to various locations. One such location was at a convenience store, which Jackie’s parents owned, and Jackie happened to be working. It did not take long and in 1993 they married. Jackie worked as a day care teacher and Kelly continued to drive a truck. Not long after their first child came along and presently, they have three wonderful children.
As time moved forward, the dream was becoming ever so evident. In 2016, they began their catering business, quite by accident, by making the delicious food for a relative’s wedding reception. It became so popular they figured why not make money at it and that is exactly what they did. Their growing popularity led them one step closer to opening their own restaurant, and that is exactly what happened in 2018! They bought the current location from Helen and Angelo Soulas, renamed it Kelly Q’s and Whippers Dairy, and rebranded the eatery into a family diner. Kelly and Jackie told us that Angelo and Helen were so very helpful in, in the first month of operation, guiding them for success; as it should be…People helping people the old-fashion way! AND, not to mention the incredible menu selection! It is impossible to leave hungry or disappointed, regardless, if it’s just an old-fashion yummy shake or a sit-down meal; it’s all here at Kelly Q’s! Don’t forget to try their popular peeps milk shake! Spring is here, Easter is right around the corner, temperatures are rising, and it is time to enjoy their seasonal shake, pictured below.
Have you ever wondered how the name Kelly Q’s and Whippers Dairy came about? Here it is folks! Since Kelly loves to Bar-B-Que and has his own style, the name Kelly Q’s was coined by a friend! And, Whipper is the nickname Kelly and Jackie called their daughter when she was a little girl! There you have it folks, a dream come true built on passion, dedication, and happiness!
My wife, Lori, and I left knowing we made friends with two wonderful folks who are well grounded in their family values, friendships, and customer care!