The establishment began as a small roadhouse restaurant in the countryside. Mrs. Kreis home cooking soon became the favorite among those traveling along Highway 67. The Kreis family operated Kreis' until their retirement in the 1960s.

They offered to lease Kreis' to Jack Kane, their country club manager while retaining ownership. He successfully ran and enhanced the business, introducing the enormous portion of Prime Rib of Beef, a signature dish that the restaurant still prides itself on.