A kennel club may be the last place one thinks of when it comes to lunch or dinner choices, but the Evansville Kennel Club members know better — their club offers an experience unlike any other.
In 1925, seven dog enthusiasts came together with an idea for a new club to sponsor local, purebred dog shows. As the club grew, members purchased a farmhouse along Kratzville Road to offer a space for them to gather together. In 1945, a kitchen was added.
Today, the Evansville Kennel Club still operates out of the clubhouse at 5201 Kratzville Road, relishing in giving members solace from hectic lives.
“We’re not here to make money, we’re here to give you an experience,” says Kimberly Racine, general manager of the club.
Because they don’t “flip tables,” as traditional in a restaurant setting, guests have all the time in the world to savor the flavor and make memories. This comes especially in handy when the club hosts live music and piano nights. Some members stay for four hours or more, says Racine. A table lingerer would send most restaurants into a tizzy, but the Kennel club doesn’t mind. They revel in it.
Business luncheons at the club are an exceptional way to give clients and coworkers an everlasting experience, she adds. And as of October, the club has gone an extra step to offer a true fine-dining experience to members and the public. Table service was added for a selection of dishes, including Caesar salad, steak Diane, bananas foster, and cherries jubilee. Members can call ahead to request these services, says Racine, and more options are expected to be added.
The Kennel Club also has opened its doors to non-members on Saturdays until the end of the year.
“I would encourage people to come out and try us,” says Racine.
812-422-1211
evansvillekennelclub.org