HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Ferrell’s Snappy Service, which has been serving hamburgers in downtown Hopkinsville since 1936, is keeping up its traditions under new owners.
Ferrell’s gained new ownership in 2021, when Ches Hill, grandson of family friends to original owners Carolyn and Phillip Ferrell, bought the business. Since becoming owner, Hill has made few changes to the beloved restaurant. “Ferrell’s has been here almost 100 years, and I wanted the community to have what they grew up with,” Hill said. “I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel.”
Previously, Ferrell’s had been known for their all-day service and hours. They would open and serve burgers as early as 6 a.m. and remain open until midnight. Today, when everything is running smoothly, Ferrell’s operates just like that, explains Hill. “We are not the only ones experiencing this, but staffing can sometimes be an issue.” However, when they can Ferrell’s runs 24/7.
The most popular items at Ferrell’s are the cheeseburgers that are grilled just as they were in 1936, which keeps the regulars coming back. “We have a lot of the same people come in because they love the food so much,” Hill said. Other popular items include their chili and breakfast items.
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With the smell of burgers in the air, the close-knit atmosphere in Ferrell’s also contributes to its long history and success. “You get close with people here. You can strike up a conversation with the cooks,” Hill said. “A lot of people go strictly for that.”
In 2019, Ferrell’s suffered severe fire damage and everything interior had to be redone. Although the exterior and the back is original, the interior is a lot more modern than it used to be, Hill said.
The famous Ferrell’s sign also suffered damage when a truck hit it and it had to be brought down. “I am trying to get a new sign up, hopefully sometime soon,” said Hill. “I want to keep the vintage look that the sign had; it’s very unfortunate we had to lose it.”
The small eight-stool joint stays busy throughout the day. “I would be scared to guess how many people we see in a day,” Hill said.
Ferrell’s Snappy Service is at 1001 S. Main St. For more information call 270-886-1445.
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