Kel's delights marina patrons with hot dogs, burgers, and more

The Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kel's. Located inside the Elochoman Slough Marina in Cathlamet, Kel's offers American favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as smoothies and sodas. "This is a dream come true, working with our kids and our family, having fun and learning a lot," said co-owner Kelly Patterson. "It's a learning curve, but it's great. We're meeting a lot of great people." Concurring with his wife and fellow co-owner, Scott Patterson said, "Coming to work is a pleasure. Kelly and I are both retired, and this is kind of our retirement dream. You can't beat that." Though having the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce over for the ribbon cutting last Thursday, Kel's has been open for three months. "Our timing actually was pretty impeccable because it gave us the time to really prepare," said Scott. "We're not restauranteurs, we're entrepreneurs... So far, everything has been word of mouth...We have repeat customers, and if you have repeat customers, you have a really good chance of staying together."

Having come from the upper midwest, Scott and Kelly brought some of the area with them, including mustard from Cleveland Stadium, former home of the Cleveland Indians. The couple also incorporates the upper midwest into their menu with a Chicago Dog as well as a back-east feel with a Coney Island Dog. With family members and co-owners Ryan and Sy, as well as Brenna, Quinn, Ellis, Kellan, Jacob, Sebastian, Ryley, and the rest of the family contributing, Scott and Kelly have found themselves getting a boost from the community as well.

"I'd like to thank the port - Todd and his crew - and the commissioners for helping us put this together," said Scott. "It was a lifelong dream of my wife and I, and they were hugely supportive in all of the remodel...We've had great support from this community, and we just want to make this a community place to come with families and have good food."

Kel's is open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.