York restaurant is committed to keeping hungry farmers fed through harvest season

YORK, Neb. (KLKN) — Chances R’ Restaurant and Lounge is making sure farmers are fed this harvest season, a time when their workload can be at high volume.

The restaurant was established in 1965 by Raymond and Susan Schultz, who started the tradition of preparing meals specifically for farmers at reduced rates during harvest season.

Chances R’ was purchased by Striker Detweiler’s parents five years ago.

Detweiler said it was important to his mom to maintain the hearty tradition.

“Raymond and Susan started it decades ago because they were big in the farming community and we wanted to keep it going,” he said.

At reduced rates, these lunch specials, or “picnic boxes,” as Detweiler calls them, are packed full to fulfill farmers’ appetite.

“Hand breaded chicken that’s breaded in our own pepper breading, it’s crispy, it’s pan-fried,” he said. “It’s whatever they want off the menu they can get for the lunch special.”

He described other menu items like corned beef, green beans, beef melts and French dips.

The specially crafted kits are popular, “She said within the first hour of work, they had 40 chickens going out in the picnic boxes,” said Detweiler about his mother’s reaction to the sales.

He says doing this is easy because it’s driven by appreciation for the community, with customers keeping the atmosphere spirited and a team who reciprocates the love.

“It’s a well-oiled machine,” said Detweiler. “Making sure there’s clean dishes and the drinks are filled and just making sure everyone is having a good time.”

Harvest season is not the only season in which they are giving back to their customers.

The restaurant is looking forward to special brunches for thanksgiving and having Santa and Mrs. Claus for their Christmas dinner.