Kelly's included in book on restaurants

Ann Kelly Tadlock and her husband, George Little has changed at Kelly's Steakhouse over the years. Of course, time has demanded that the restaurant expand its building to accommodate its long list of local and out-of-county customers as well as expanding its menu to keep up with today's taste trends.

But for restaurant owner Ann Kelly Tadlock, it's still the same place she remembers as a child. The brainchild of her father, local dry cleaning professional Charles M. Kelly, the restaurant began in a farmhouse outside of Blacksburg with an emphasis on delivering on his promise of giving customers the "best steak around."

"For years, my father said he would never serve chicken or any other type of meat," Tadlock said. "Kelly's was a steakhouse and there were no questions asked."

Though "Mr. Kelly" is gone and the menu has expanded, steak is still what the restaurant hangs its hat on. Yet the biggest attraction is not on the menu. Rather, it's found in the heart of the Tadlocks, whose main purpose is to make sure all feel welcome.

"We simply love the company of others," said Ann's husband, George. "For us, this is not a job. This is something we love to do and hope people feel welcome when they walk through the door."

One who felt welcome during her visit to Kelly's Steakhouse was Aida Rogers, the editor of the Columbia-based Sandlapper Magazine. Rogers said the experience she had at the local restaurant was a memorable one.

"Family restaurants just have a certain feel, one that you cannot forget," Rogers said. "People love to eat, and Kelly's should be a place that a person with a large appetite should go."

Rogers included Kelly's in her book, "Stop Where the Parking Lot's Full." The 301- page publication takes a look at hundreds of restaurants she has visited in the past two decades, from the Upstate to the coast.

"It's a culinary road trip," Rogers said. "Our slogan is that 'No glove compartment should be without it.'"

According to Ann Kelly Tadlock, it's an honor to be listed among the state's best restaurants."Being listed in that group is not something that we set out to do," she said. "All we hope to do is give people the service they need." In addition to good eats like steak, chicken, pastas and a variety of desserts, Kelly's also has prices that are sure to keep customers' wallets happy.

"Quality should not cost too much," said George Tadlock. "Here we try to give you as much for your money as possible."

While few things have changed through the years, the Tadlocks again are planning to renovate the restaurant, hoping to add comfort to each customer's dining experience."We're not just an elegant-style dinner restaurant or one that is just casual," George Tadlock said. "Being comfortable is key to people coming back. Hopefully, these plans can encourage more people to come and see us."