History Of "Dinky's Diner"

In 1980 a small trailer was made into a diner was placed on a hill side at the “Reed Springs Junction”, with a counter top and five stools. The small diner was named “Dinky’s” by the owner’s Bill and Collene Hauser, with their daughter Cheryl Ratliff. My sister Tammy, daughter Shelly, and myself all worked at the Diner. Many of the local school girls worked with us. We had a fun time during those days! It always got busy and then us girls got very serious. People came from miles around to enjoy our food.

Then the new Highway 160 cut off the “Junction”, and the Diner was no more. In 2010 the A+W building became available at 3577 Hwy. 160, which became the new “Reed Springs Junction”. As a tribute to my friends Bill and Collene, I decided to turn the A+W space into the new Dinky’s Diner.

We now seat 35 people and still have some of the best food in the Ozarks. Feel free to stop in and try us on the way to the lake. Enjoy our family atmosphere where you are more than welcome to share some stories and just relax talking to our regular locals.

We hope to see you soon!

Brenda Gentry