A small, roadside restaurant has greeted guests since the 1940s
The Kad E. Korner Station and Restaurant between Springfield and Fair Grove, Mo., has a rich history dating back several decades. Originally established in the early 1940s, the restaurant began as a small roadside station and diner serving travelers and locals passing through the area. Diners can visit Kad E. Korner by taking Glenstone (old business 65) out of Springfield.
The road travels through beautiful rural countryside with fields of big round hay bales and cattle. Kad E Korner is on the left, traveling north toward Fair Grove.
The place’s charm is not clear from the outside, but the décor inside is accented with antiques, old signs, old records and lights strung from the ceiling. There is also a little “kid’s” corner with shelves of games, coloring books and crayons. Over the years, it has become a landmark and an integral part of the rural community. The manager, Shannon, has worked there for over 20 years. She said the earliest owner they knew about was an older lady named Winnie. When Winnie passed, it went into the hands of a local church, and it was sold to the Shaffers and called Shaffer’s Roadside Store. Shaffer’s sold it to Coleen Viefhaus.
“When we bought it, there were just a couple of tables, so we converted the garage into additional seating,” Coleen said.
The Kad E. Korner Station got its name from Coleen, who noticed that the property sat on a diagonal corner. The Viefhaus family-owned it for 20 years and continued the tradition of delicious homemade food and friendly service, which gained a loyal customer base. Several farmers and other locals from the area come in every day for coffee, breakfast and lunch.
The diner was expanded several years ago, adding a larger dining area converted from the attached garage. The restaurant became known for its welcoming atmosphere, where locals and travelers alike could gather, share stories, and enjoy good food. It served as a meeting place for the community, hosting events, fundraisers, car shows, and even live music performances occasionally. The warm and friendly staff contributes to the establishment’s charm, treating guests like family and creating a sense of belonging.
The current owner, Martha Broughton, bought it two years ago.
As her children filtered off to college, she wanted a business to keep herself busy. Her husband, Dr. John Broughton, works at Mercy Hospital as a doctor and helps Martha on his days off. They own property with a cabin nearby and hope to move there once their kids all move out. They love the Fair Grove area and have joined the local chamber of commerce to play a more active part in the local business community.
“The Viefhaus family has been great to help them with the transition, and J.D. is active in helping with opening up in the mornings, sometimes making gravy, and helping them to close up at night,” Martha said.
“We’ve worked out a deal,” Coleen added. “We get free food, and we think it’s a great deal We live nearby, and the Broughtons live on the south side of Springfield, so it is helpful to them to open up some early mornings and close up some nights.”
The Kad E. Korner Station is famous in the area for specialty dishes that draw a crowd. Wednesdays are special because of the renowned meatloaf. There is also a Rueben sandwich with home-cut, never-frozen curly fries. Kad E. Korner Station also offers fried mushrooms and other sides not readily available at some restaurants. Homemade peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake are among the mouth-watering desserts specials, as well as ice cream Sundays.
The new owners have a phased plan to add a fenced-in playground area and a firepit so more events and music performances can be held safely in the future. They also have plans to do some renovations on the building. Recently, they held an event with a band, and Martha said they had a crowd of 60 people attending.
Over time, the Kad E. Korner Station has become a beloved institution in the Springfield/Fair Grove area. It’s rich history and nostalgic charm attract generations of visitors who cherish the traditions and memories associated with the restaurant and the little close-knit community there.
