Kim’s Diner has been voted Owensboro-Daviess County’s favorite dine-in restaurant in the Owensboro Times Eat Down the Street contest. Kim’s Diner now moves on to the championship week of the voting competition. For a full breakdown of how the entire contest works, including our list of restaurants and categories, click here.
Kim Roberson opened the restaurant on March 1, 2022, to fulfill her and her father’s long-time dream.
Roberson’s dad was a single father, raising Kim and her sister. He spent most of his career working in the food industry, and the two of them always dreamed of opening their own restaurant.
Roberson was working at the former Dugout Diner – where Kim’s is now located at 1212 East 18th Street – when her father passed away from COVID during the winter of 2021. Shortly after his passing, Dugout owners Billy and Brittney Tyler posted the establishment for sale, and Roberson knew it was time.
“When the Tyler’s were talking about letting go of the restaurant, I knew I had to go after my dad’s and my dream,” Roberson said. “He was so busy raising my sister and me that he never got to fulfill that dream. This was a calling, and I know it’s what he would have wanted me to do.”
Roberson takes pride in offering the community food and service they can be proud of. While she handles several elements of the business, she said she’s blessed with an amazing team and a supportive husband.
“I’ve never run a business by myself or managed one by myself, but I’ve always been in the restaurant business,” she said. “We’ve been nothing but successful since opening up, and I owe that to my amazing crew and the community’s support. Several people have followed me from my time as a server; they’ve been with me 100% of the way.”
While the restaurant doesn’t open until 5 a.m. dailty, Roberson said the parking lot is full of folks with an appetite well before that.
The diner operates until 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from until noon on Saturday and Sunday. They also offer daily plate lunch specials.
To learn more about Kim’s Diner or to see its daily specials, find them on Facebook here.
