Kelly's Restaurant

02/19/2026

Good morning friends. It’s been a bit since we’ve posted… but we were made aware last night of the passing of our dear friend Fred Houck. Fred and his wife Sally were a huge part of our Kelly’s restaurant family. They were always there with a smile and a hello to everyone. Their laughter still holds a special place in my memories and kindness to all was always so evident. Fred and Sally were my true life “ love story” . Fred cared for Sally until she passed. Then Fred found solice continuing to come to their “ place “ with their extended family and friends at Kelly’s Restaurant.
Fred was the always the kindest gentleman and was always dressed in his dress slacks and his sweaters or pressed shirts. He always made you feel seen and heard. His presence reminded me of my own grandfather. I think many of us felt those warm vibes he so easily shared.
He will be missed but never forgotten. Steve and I often chat about about them smiling as we were better from knowing them.
We hope many of you who knew Fred can join his family at Douglass Funeral home in Amherst , MA on Saturday Feb 28th.
As for Steve … he’s doing great , farming and enjoying his cattle and the life he loves on our farm. Wishing Well farm is growing and looking forward to spring.

04/19/2023

Good morning friends,
It’s been four months since Steve retired from the restaurant. Steve is doing great ! He is farming and loving it!
We just spoke to Kai the new owner . He is trying to reopen ASAP , but holdups on several things has delayed his opening. Please stay tuned … he will be keeping you all updated as I am turning this page over to him!
Happy Spring to you all ! From our family to yours.

12/18/2022

This is Steve’s buddy , Paddington . His Irish Dexters are beautiful and they can’t wait for him to be home on the farm with them. 🥰🐮

12/18/2022

This is so special … Natalie Cook three weeks old Dec 17, 2017 and again five years later! Memories are so special. Our paths have crossed so many special people. Thank you Anna Cook for sharing this memory with us.

12/17/2022

So if you are not in the know…. Now you are! Kelly’s Restaurant, owned and operated by Steve O’Brien will be closing the doors tomorrow at 11:30 am for the last time. Steve’s well earned retirement has finally become a reality. However, the story has a good ending with a new young entrepreneur taking over the grill starting in early Jan. 2023! 🎊 KaiQi Herzig will be serving breakfast and lunch and adding a few new things to the menu . So stay tuned. We will be turning over the Kelly’s Restaurant page to him as well to keep you posted on all the specials and any updates he will have .
We thank you all for your kindness, your support and your loyalty these past three decades.
From our family to yours….
Happy New Year 🎆🎊.

AMHERST — Come the new year, Kelly’s Restaurant, a staple of the Amherst dining scene for nearly 30 years, will transition to a new owner who intends to restore some past favorites, including a lunch menu, and give the spot a new name, all while...

12/17/2022

Now this guy flew all the way back from China to be here one more time! ( ok , full disclosure , he came to see his family , he teaches English at the University in China.) Growing up in Amherst , this was the place he and his buddies came on late start days and before games . Paul Anderson . His mom Audrey Smith and dad ( Greg Anderson ) joined in on the fun too! Audrey Smith actually brought a white rose to one of our waitresses many years ago ( Laura Nunnely ) to let her know she was accepted to Smith College. Deans get to do that sort of thing! 🥰 we treasure your friendship beyond the restaurant! ❤️🤗

12/17/2022

Thank you Cheryl and Chris Matticks !!! Here is the crew all having fun with these two very kind and generous friends! Kristin , Allison and Julie … check out the ladies high kick ( legs) you go girls! ❤️🥰

12/17/2022

Jason Edwards ( Curb to Curb ) and his family. Steve’s known Jason his whole life and now his girls have grown up before our eyes coming to the restaurant. And surprise , they have horses and cows too! And a donkey or two…. 🤗❤️

12/17/2022

Here is Tracy Farnham , Grace Farnham, Jack Farnham , and Paul Martin . Friends from the beginning days when I arrived here over 16 years ago. We met through the restaurant and horses! The memories are endless! ❤️

12/17/2022

When the Pelham Police Chief wants a picture with Steve … yes sir! Thanks Gary for all of your continued support! ❤️

12/17/2022

Gus with Allison and Kristin! Coffee to go with an English and peanut butter! All while meeting and eating with friends. ❤️