ATHOL – Just over a week ago, Kellie Ballard, the owner of Kellie’s restaurant in downtown Athol, announce that she was stepping away from the popular eatery, but the restaurant won’t be closing its doors.
Instead, it will now be run by Felicity Hanks, who has worked at Kellie’s for the last eight years.
In a post to Kellie’s Facebook page, Ballard said, “Serving this community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’ve made countless memories, shared so many laughs, and met incredible people who have become much more than customers – you’ve become family. I will always be grateful for your loyalty, kindness, and support throughout the years.”
When Ballard took over the restaurant, then named Nick’s, from previous owner Beth Saltaere in March 2019, Hanks had been there for almost a year. Hanks said she started working tables at Hanks the day after graduating from Athol High School in 2018. She officially took over the business on Sunday, Aug. 2.
Asked what has kept her at the restaurant for eight years, Hanks replied, “I like the early hours. You come in early, get out early, then you’ve got the whole day. And, of course, I also like the customers and the other people I work with. I feel really comfortable here.”
Although familiar with the business after years of experience, she added that her husband Dillan will be assisting her with thing like bookkeeping, ordering and other tasks. The couple live just a few blocks away on Riverbend Street
Hanks said she does intend to change the name of the business, but doesn’t want to reveal the new moniker just yet.
“That’ll come in a couple of weeks – you have to wait,” she said. “We do plan on having a grand opening fairly soon.”
The new owner said she doesn’t plan any major changes at the business.
“I’m keeping everybody who works here now,” she said.
Currently, the staff consists of five people, including Hanks.
The hours are going to be the same and the menu, for the most part, will remain unchanged.
“We’re just adding a couple of things to it,” said Hanks of the menu. “We’ll be adding more omelet choices, more sandwiches.”
She said she also plans to keep prices at their current level for now.
“That’s the first thing some customers have asked; ‘Are you raising prices?’” she said. “But, right now, there are no plans to do that.”
In addition to continuing to offer good food and service, Hanks said she plans on continuing Ballard’s tradition of involvement in community activities.
The restaurant, located at 567 Main St. in Athol, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Closed Wednesday. Call (978) 249-8400 for more information.