For the past 70 years or so, Atchison County residents and people driving through have flocked to a little diner on Fairfax’s Main drive that fills their bellies with such delicious food they keep coming back for more. Even through business name and ownership changes, the quality of food has never wavered, and it’s a restaurant that people have dined in for several generations.

Last year, owners Kent and Janice Ray of Fairfax, Missouri, said goodbye to their customers for the last time. For 30 years, they have welcomed all hungry patrons and fed them on good food and friendly fellowship. They remarked, “Your support, friendships, and loyalty have meant the world to us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every one of our customers and to all of the amazing employees who have been part of the Dairy Diner over the years. We truly couldn’t have done it without you. Your support and the memories we’ve shared will always mean so much to us.” They also encouraged everyone to continue their support for the establishment, which will now be owned and operated by Mallory Fisher of Fairfax. “We hope you’ll continue to show Mallory the same love and support you’ve always shown us.”

Because the hungry locals have gone months without the tasty food and whether the local business would continue was a worry for all, community members were thrilled to see an update from the new owners posted to Facebook. “Phew, y’all know how to spread the word. I thought I’d take a moment and introduce myself and let everyone in on our progress! I’m Mallory Fisher and I’m the new owner of the Fairfax Dairy Diner, now known as Keeling’s Dairy Diner. Buying the Dairy Diner is incredibly special to me, not just as a business opportunity but as something meaningful for our community. My whole family for multiple generations has been part of Fairfax, Craig, and Atchison County, so this has always felt like home. In 2023, my son and I moved back to Fairfax. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 2025, and is now active in the town, county, and farming, while also attending college at Missouri Valley College for Agribusiness. Watching him fit right in and seeing how much he loves this community made it clear to me that Fairfax is where I want to plant my roots for the rest of my life. When the opportunity to purchase the Dairy Diner came up, I asked my family what they thought, and here we are! We saw it as a chance to bring new life to a place that holds so many memories for people in this community. My goal is to honor the history of the diner while creating a welcoming place where families, friends, and neighbors can gather, make new memories, and enjoy some great food and ice cream. I’m incredibly grateful for the encouragement and excitement the community has already shown. I’m really looking forward to bringing the Dairy Diner back to life and being part of the next chapter of its story. Like and follow Keeling’s Dairy Diner on Facebook and stay tuned for more updates!”

Mallory decided to honor her great-grandmother, Aileen Keeling, by naming the restaurant after her. Aileen had Keeling’s Cafe in Craig years ago and Mallory is excited to keep her name going for many more years.