CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Tucked away from the interstate, just a short drive from Hopkinsville city limits, the Gracey Dairy Dip overlooks expansive wheat fields right on the on the west edge of Christian County. With the city of Gracey having a population of around 107 people, this well-kept secret has been beloved by the community for 71 years.

“Expect some good food and some good ice cream. I always tell people you either like us or you don’t.” chef and operator Eva Croft told Christian County Now. Now that it’s warming up, business at this burger and ice cream shop is about to spike as customers gather for cold treats on warm summer nights in the heart of Kentucky farmland.

A hand grips a chocolate-dipped ice cream cone wrapped in a napkin, outdoors on a sunny day with a street and parked cars in the background.
Store window displays a handwritten list of ice cream flavors on yellow paper, with items like Vanilla and Chocolate, beside a Health Department facility inspection notice.
Covered outdoor pavilion with red wooden picnic tables on gravel under a metal roof surrounded by trees and a fence.
Small rural storefront with a large 'CLOSED' sign in the window, beside a road under a bright blue sky.
Smiling woman leans through a service window, handing a Coca‑Cola bottle to someone offscreen; a plastic container with cookies sits on the counter nearby.

The retro sign displays the original Dairy Kreme name, which immediately transports customers back in time when they pull up. In 1955 this building and the one next door was constructed as Carter’s Service Station and Dairy Kreme. David and Nancy Ezell purchased the building from the Carter family in 2016 with Eva Croft and her husband put in charge of daily operations in 2020.

Although several faces have come through management, last year they celebrated 70 years since the Dairy Kreme was established. Over all these years, not much has changed in terms of how things are run. Customers can order at the walk-up window and grab a seat at a picnic table to enjoy their burgers and ice cream in the fresh air or take it to go.

What’s on the menu, creating a space for everyone

Their staple vanilla soft serve can be served plain or dipped, with several flavors of scoopable ice creams available along with fried honey buns, shakes, floats and sundaes. There are also signature grilled burgers and several other classic diner style items like fried bologna sandwiches. The banana wheel on the menu has layers of vanilla ice cream, hot fudge with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

“It’s a nostalgia thing, you come out here for fellowship,” said Croft. “I love this spot; I don’t eat burgers from anywhere else.”

Framed black-and-white photo of Carter's Service Station and Dairy Kreme on a small-town street with a vintage DX sign and cars parked along the curb
Cheeseburger with melted cheddar, beef patty, lettuce and tomato on a soft bun
Toasted white-bread sandwich with sliced salami beside a serving of crispy onion rings on parchment paper.
Soft-serve vanilla ice cream cone held in a hand outdoors with parked cars in the background.
Cup of vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce and whipped cream, held outdoors with a straw in a clear container.

Due to their location on Tobacco Road, they get customers from around Christian County as well as plenty of people from nearby Cadiz and Trigg County. Along with their regulars, she anticipates business from local road crews as well as any curious person passing through.

When asked about how she would describe the atmosphere of the restaurant, Croft reacted emotionally while attempting to explain the sense of community they are able to foster. She said, “Everybody knows everybody, and if you don’t know them, you’re going to know them before you leave here.”

Croft added that the outdoor space acts as an escape from screens and the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. She said the scenic landscape helps provide a calm atmosphere while she hustles to get food prepared.

Find the Gracey Dairy Dip at 10750 Tobacco Road. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. Orders can be made in person or via phone at 270-235-5555.

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