A Legacy of Family, French Fries, and Longevity: The Story of Val’s Rapid Serv
Kathy Henning’s journey is intertwined with the history of Val’s Rapid Serv, a cherished fast-food institution in St. Cloud, Minnesota, that has stood the test of time. Born in the Midwest, Kathy and her husband Val moved to Minnesota to raise their family, but little did they know their lives would soon be shaped by the restaurant they would create together.
The Birth of Val’s Rapid Serv
Val’s Rapid Serv was born out of a bold vision when Val and Kathy purchased an abandoned Pure Oil gas station at 628 E. St. Germain in St. Cloud in 1959. They converted the station into a small fast-food restaurant, and the result was Val’s Rapid Serv, a family-owned and operated business that quickly became a beloved local staple.
Opening on Memorial Day (May 30) in 1959, the Hennings built a reputation for delicious, no-frills fast food. Their limited menu focused on high-quality, simple offerings, and their dedication to customer service ensured the restaurant's success.
The name “Val’s” comes from Kathy’s late husband, whose legacy continues to live on in every golden, crispy French fry served to customers. For the Hennings, Val’s was more than just a business—it was a family affair. Kathy had seven children, many of whom worked at the restaurant, creating a deep connection with the community and the business.
The Evolution of the Family Business
Initially, Val’s Rapid Serv operated as a seasonal business, open only during certain months. As the restaurant’s popularity grew, so did the business hours, and it eventually became a year-round operation. Today, the restaurant is open seven days a week, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., continuing to serve between 250 to 350 customers each day in its small 490-square-foot space.
In 1979, when Val retired, Kathy and Val’s sons, Bill and David Henning, took over the restaurant. They ran the business together until 1990 when David bought out Bill’s share and continued to manage Val’s with his own family. David continued the operation until his retirement in 2015. Today, third generation Hennings, Aaron and Logan, carry on the tradition of family ownership and management.
Surviving and Thriving in a Competitive Market
The story of Val’s Rapid Serv is also a tale of survival in an industry dominated by larger, national fast-food chains. The official name “Val’s Rapid Serv” was part of a regional effort by local independent drive-ins to form a low-cost franchise system. These independent businesses, with their limited menus, were able to create their own identity and increase their purchasing power to compete with regional giants like Sandy’s, Henry’s, and McCarthy’s.
Despite the rise of national franchises like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Hardee’s, Val’s Rapid Serv stands as the only remaining independent fast-food restaurant on the East side of St. Cloud—a point of pride for the Henning family. They have managed to retain their charm and character, offering a dining experience that feels timeless, as they’ve always aimed to create the same atmosphere your grandparents might have experienced when they brought your parents to the restaurant, and now, when parents bring their children.
The Secret to Val’s Success
What is the secret to Val’s success? For the Henning family, it’s simple: staying true to who they are and maintaining the values that made the restaurant so special in the first place. As Kathy reflects, “That’s the magic that keeps the Val’s story alive.” The restaurant's focus on quality fast food and quick service has allowed them to keep prices affordable, while their no-dine-in policy has never been a deterrent for their loyal customers.
Though Kathy wasn’t in the restaurant every day, she played an important role in supporting the business, managing the household and raising the kids, many of whom worked at Val’s over the years. “The kids all helped out,” Kathy recalls, “and it became a family tradition. We built the business together.”
Kathy laughs and adds with a playful grin, “But I was the boss, of course.”
