In 1993, Karen Duling of rural Walnut decided to open a business, one that reflected her own lifestyle in a way that others could get a taste of country life in the process. Chicken-N-Pickin, which started off as a restaurant in Stark that served potatoes and gravy, green beans, applesauce, pan-fried chicken, biscuits and seasonal desserts, opened for business on the weekends. Karen said, "I lived in various southeast Kansas communities until my dad died in 1992. I then moved to the farm in Walnut. After giving a shot at farming, I decided to open the restaurant." In January 2000, Karen decided to move the business to her own property. With the help of family, she was able to restore her dairy barn. A stage was built inside the rustic setting, and eventually, Karen was again opening the doors of a new business building. "We get lots of older customers, and the dairy barn setting causes them to reminisce their younger days, which always puts a smile on one's face," she said. The restaurant certainly satisfied one customer from Chanute when she sent in an article about Chicken-N-Pickin to Country Discoveries magazine, a nationwide publication. It was published, and things haven't been quite the same since. Country Discoveries is a magazine aimed at tourists, and Karen has been booking buses of approximately 55 people from cities as far away as Crystal Lake, Minn. "It is so important that people make reservations, especially now," Karen said. "We always have room for 60. Now we have busloads of people taking up about 55 of those seats. When the buses are longer than the building, then you know your business is yielding." Business really is flourishing in the new location. Matinees have now been introduced, and Karen's planner has plenty of upcoming events. "We were opened on the weekends," she said, "but, because of the buses coming in, we've been having matinees during the week." Many of the customers come from the Wichita or Kansas City area as well as Pittsburg; Carl Junction and Rogers, Ark. Church groups are also frequent. Many tourists who eat at Chicken-N-Pickin ask where they can stay in such a small community. "I always recommend my customers from other cities continue to experience the historic Kansas setting at St. Ann's Bed and Breakfast in St. Paul. It used to be an infirmary for the Catholic Church years ago. The five rooms in it were refurbished for use as rooms. Among the entertainers who perform on-stage at Chicken-N-Pickin include Karen's brothers, Dan Duling and Rick Duling; her niece, Meredith Duling, who performs vocals and is learning to play the accordion; her nephew, Shane Duling, who drums; No Apparent Reason, a four-man comedy and bluegrass group from Carthage who will perform on July 18; the four-man band from Girard called Holiday Band with Frankie Dunnick; and herself, just to name a few. On Saturday, Karen and her brothers performed for the Alumni at the American Legion in Girard. Karen is still enjoying being a business owner after 10 years. "It's wonderful to work at your home," she said. "I get up with the chickens and go to bed with the chickens. Although everything has its tradeoffs, I still enjoy giving people a taste of rural America." Reservations can be made by calling 1-620-354-6483. Chicken-N-Pickin is located four miles west of Walnut and 1/2 mile north on Victory Rd. (Jessica Jones, Girard Press. June 25, 2003, Page 4) 620-354-6483 "IT'S FAMILY FUN!" Call for Reservations Today
|