The name Ray’s is remembered by many in the area for Great Pizza and Steaks.  It all started in 1964 when my father, Ray Sr., and my mother, Carmen, opened a Drive-In on Highway 61 here in Kelso, Missouri.  They were among the first in the area to start making pizzas.  When Interstate 55 opened from Sikeston to Cape Girardeau, the volume of traffic on Highway 61 decreased dramatically.  It became clear that to survive, something needed to change.  In 1967, they modified our home and opened it to the public as Ray’s House of Pizza and Steaks.  By offering some of the area’s best food in a unique atmosphere, it became a success.  It was here that a reputation was made, and people came from all over to dine in our house.  We closed the business in 1976 because of Dad’s health related issues.  Now, after 30+ years, my wife Cindy and I have rekindled the fire, so to say.  Our old house no longer stands, but the recipes and philosophies I grew up with are not forgotten.   Today, much like 30+ years ago, we are a family operated restaurant.  Our main restaurant was built in 1920 as the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Kelso.  The bank closed in 1927 after an embezzlement scandal.  My Grandfather, Werner Ressel, bought the building in 1934 and operated it as a grocery store until the mid 80’s.  In the early 90’s, my father moved in and made it into his woodworking/ art shop.  He continued to live and work in the building until he passed away in 2003.  Cindy and I decided to renovate and restore this historic place as close to it’s original 1920’s appearance as possible.  Still to be seen;  is the original tin ceiling, the marble floors and partial marble walls, even the original bank vault and its steel door are intact.   Our "Whiteford House"  (Dining)  is adjacent to our main restaurant.  We offer the same menu, but in an atmosphere a bit more quite and cozy than our main restaurant.  The "Whiteford House" is also available for Private Dining  and Banquets of nearly 50 people.   Quality Catering of up to 500 is also available.    Our Outdoor Courtyard Dining area is open from May through September;  Over the past several years, it has become popular for our Week-end Outdoor Cook-Outs, Lu'al's  and Buffet Parties...  paired with the areas best Live Entertainment.  Check out the Entertainment Events button for this year's line up.          It is our goal that your dining experience be a Great One!    One behalf of our family before us...                                       And our Family today,                 Welcome to Our Place!