Business Spotlight: Classic Kelly's Restaurant

Since 1951, the building at 356 N. Main St. NE has been serving hot coffee and hearty meals to the Cedar Springs community. Over the years, Classic Kelly’s has had several owners, three name changes and a few expansions. What hasn’t changed is its role as a gathering place for neighbors.

Heather Misner, a Cedar Springs native and 1996 graduate of Cedar Springs High School, officially took over on April 3, 2023. After working at the restaurant for 13 years, the restaurant went up for sale, and she was ready to be her own boss.

“I didn’t want to work for anyone else,” Misner said. “I wanted to be self-employed.”

Though the behind-the-scenes paperwork was new to her, the transition was smooth. Misner kept the entire staff, many of whom already looked to her for leadership. Among them is Lu, who has worked at the restaurant for 50 years under eight different owners.

Preserving the family-friendly, small-town feel was a priority. When you walk into the dining room, you'll see the walls adorned with framed photos of Red Flannel Days gone by and local community champions, reminding visitors of the restaurant’s, and the community's long history.

Just as important as the food and decor are the regulars who fill the chairs each week. Early mornings bring in the coffee crew: retirees and lifelong community members solving the world’s problems over bottomless cups.

Kelly’s is known for its all-day breakfast and at a fair price, too. Regulars come in for favorites like southern omelettes and corned beef hash, both for $10.99, along with staples such as reubens and breakfast skillets. Misner has added homemade mac and cheese, banana bread French toast and gourmet pancakes. She recommends the made-to-order Alfredo or any classic breakfast dish for first-time guests.

Daily specials include liver and onions on Tuesday, spaghetti and meatballs on Thursday and fried fish on Friday. Catering is also available.

Since taking ownership, Misner has repainted, updated landscaping and added new equipment. Improvements in a 70-year-old building come with challenges, but she says customer feedback makes the effort worthwhile.

“It’s nice to be part of the community where I grew up,” she said. “The community has been amazing.”

She credits both customers and staff for the restaurant’s continued success. “All the different personalities mesh together and pull it off,” she said of her team.

Classic Kelly’s is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and is closed Mondays.

Looking ahead, Misner hopes to keep improving operations while holding onto the charm people expect. Possible plans include a car show and an Easter egg hunt this year. Her goal is to keep Classic Kelly’s moving forward while staying true to the familiar experience locals appreciate.