Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Dennis Harmening and Vicki Keller, partners in life and now partners in business are working hard, along with friends and family, to re-open one of the valley’s most famous landmarks, Cheyenne’s Stage Stop BBQ Restaurant in Riverkern, in time for the upcoming Whiskey Flat Days weekend.

For Harmening, taking over and operating the famed Cheyenne’s is going to be like coming home. The life long valley resident began working at the restaurant as a dishwasher when he was only 13 years old. He was hired by Pat and Ted Scott who had taken over the former burger stand in 1978 and transformed it into the Cheyenne’s that was known and loved by locals, part-timers and tourists alike. Through the years, Ted taught Harmening all he knew about cooking, barbecuing and running a successful and friendly eating establishment.

Dennis Harmening and Vicki Keller, the new proprietors of Cheyenne’s Stage Stop BBQ Restaurant in Riverkern, will re-open the business this week in time for Whiskey Flat Days. Cheyenne’s is located at 16110 Sierra Way in Riverkern just three miles up the road from Kernville.

The easy going Harmening is well known in the valley both as a result of his 15 years delivering propane for Atchison Propane, but also for his prowess standing over a hot grill and delivering some of the finest BBQ to be found in all of Kern County. Both Harmening and Keller, along with their five children, her sons, Dean,10, Tyler,13 and his daughters; Presley,13, Kayla, 17 and Crystal, 19 are excited about the grand re-opening of the business, especially as it will occur during one of the valley’s biggest tourist events. They will be helped out by Marge Harmening, Dennis’s mother who operated Marge’s Café in Kernville for several years.

Scott spoke fondly about Harmening and the many years that he worked for her and her husband who recently passed away. Scott is confident that Harmening will make a success of the Riverkern restaurant both because of his easy going personality and his strong background in cooking. “Wait until you taste the food” Scott stated, “I truly believe that Dennis is the only one who can run Cheyenne’s the way it should be run.” Scott, who even plans to help Harmening out at the restaurant for the time being, stated that he and Keller make a great team just as she and her husband did years ago when they had Cheyenne’s adding, “They’re great together and they really do compliment each other in their abilities. “

Kathy Carrington, a long time food server at Cheyenne’s when it was owned by the Scott’s, echoed Pat’s sentiments stating, “If anyone can make a success of Cheyenne’s, it’s Dennis.” She too, plans to help the couple as they embark on the adventure as restaurateurs.

Keller is Harmening’s biggest fan and sings his praises as both a BBQ cook and as a man. “He is hard worker and a good guy, as well as an excellent cook. Everybody who tries his food falls in love with it.”

Harmening’s heart’s desire has always been to take over the well known restaurant. When the opportunity presented itself, the Bodfish resident jumped at it feet first. “Now is the perfect time to do this,” Harmening stated, “Our kids are old enough now and they can help as well. They’re all excited about helping at the restaurant. It really will be a family operation.” Keller agreed wholeheartedly about the timing. “All of our family and friends throughout the valley are just so supportive of us doing this. They’re really excited for us.”

Keller is putting her career as a dental hygienist on hold for the time being to devote herself 100 percent to being the new proprietor of Cheyenne’s along with her better half.

The couple is committed to bringing back the original menu of Cheyenne’s when it was owned by the Scott’s and to restoring the old time country atmosphere. The public is obviously excited about the re-opening as well. An out-of-town party of 35 has already made a reservation for the first evening.

Starting this week, Cheyenne’s Stage Stop BBQ Restaurant will be open Thursday through Sunday from 4:00-9:00 pm. A full BBQ menu will be offered along with beer and wine to accompany your meal. Cheyenne’s is located at 16110 Sierra Way in Riverkern just three miles up the road from Kernville. Reservations are not necessary, but you can give them a call at (760) 376-2902 if you have a large party of 10 or more. Stop by this weekend and say hi to the new owners. After trying out some of Harmening’s tasty BBQ offerings, you’ll be mighty glad that you did.