Food that Brings Local Families to the Table

Rondle Dines

February 9, 2026

The Story of Holly’s Kitchen in Clinton, MO

When you step into Holly’s Kitchen, open to the public and located at the Meadow Lakes Golf Course in Clinton, Missouri, you’re not just walking into a restaurant—you’re stepping into a place built around comfort, connection, and the kind of food that brings people together.

In rural communities, locally owned restaurants play an important role by supporting families, creating gathering places, and keeping local dollars close to home. That role is an important part of rural economic development.

Owned and operated by longtime restaurateur Holly Miller, Holly’s Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday, all with a focus on scratch-made, hearty comfort food. From classics like fried chicken, steaks, and home style sides to family-sized take-and-bake meals and freezer-friendly options, Holly’s Kitchen is designed for real life—busy schedules, full families, and the simple desire to sit down together at the end of the day.

A Lifetime of Experience—and a Clear Vision

Holly brings years of experience to her kitchen. Before opening in Clinton, she owned and operated a successful restaurant and catering business in rural Illinois, earning a loyal following for honest, filling food made with care. That same philosophy guides Holly’s Kitchen today—rooted in her belief that food is about more than eating. Her motto, “bringing families back to the table,” reflects her commitment to meals that make life easier, from ready-to-bake dishes to crowd-pleasing spreads for gatherings.

That experience, paired with a desire for a more balanced life, led Holly to Clinton. With her daughter already living in Missouri, she chose to open the next chapter of her career closer to family. That sense of care extends to her team as well, including front-end manager Laci Phillips (pictured with Holly above), who worked with Holly in Illinois and relocated to Missouri to continue working alongside her at Holly’s Kitchen.

More Than a Restaurant

In addition to a sit-down restaurant with a home-like atmosphere, Holly specializes in on-site prepared food for events, as well as prepared meals that customers can pick up and serve themselves. From workplace lunches and community meetings to holiday gatherings and game-day spreads, she works with customers to make food fit their needs—and their kitchens.

Travelers heading to Truman Lake or passing through the area also discover Holly’s take-and-bake options, perfect for weekends at the lake or feeding a crowd without spending the day cooking.

Finding Support Through the New Growth Women’s Business Center

After opening Holly’s Kitchen in July 2025, Holly connected with the New Growth Women’s Business Center, where she began working with Business Counselor Sydney Lee.

Like many experienced entrepreneurs opening a business in a new community, Holly found that some challenges were different than expected—especially marketing and learning new tools like social media and digital advertising. Through the Women’s Business Center, she received guidance on marketing strategy, financial planning, community engagement, and growth opportunities.

With that support, Holly has:

Hosted successful freezer meal prep classes
Expanded her social media presence and reach
Learned how to market to different audiences online
Developed a financial needs plan to support next steps
Built stronger connections within the local community

For Holly, having someone to ask questions, bounce ideas off of, and help translate big goals into manageable steps has made a real difference. When asked if she would recommend the New Growth Women’s Business Center to other business owners, her answer is an emphatic yes.

Rooted in Community—and Growing

Today, Holly continues to greet customers personally, visit every table she can, and build relationships one meal at a time. Her kitchen is quickly becoming a place where locals gather,visitors discover something special, and families find an easier way to share a meal.

Holly’s story is exactly why the New Growth Women’s Business Center exists—to support women entrepreneurs as they build sustainable businesses that strengthen their communities.

If you haven’t visited Holly’s Kitchen yet, it’s worth the trip. Come hungry, leave full, and don’t be surprised if it feels a little like coming home.

Visit the Holly’s Kitchen website and follow delicious posts on social media:
https://www.hollyskitchenmo.com/