Clayton Lange and his wife Morgan are the new owners of Tex's Cafe in Kearney, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — A dining staple in downtown Kearney, has new owners and they seek to maintain the old school diner vibes while serving quality food that is easy on the wallet.
Clayton and Morgan Lange are the new owners of Tex’s Café, which has been opened in the Kearney community for 75 years.
Clayton is an Ord native, while Morgan grew up in Kearney. Clayton has worked roofing and remodeling with a company in Elm Creek, while Morgan had been a stay-at-home mother with their children.
Clayton noted he had food experience in the past, starting a restaurant in Scotia and managing the food and beverages at the Kearney Country Club for several years.
The couple had been interested in entering the restaurant business together and this brought them to Tex’s Café, which was up for sale. Clayton noted purchasing and existing business meant they didn’t have to start from the ground up.
Tex’s Café was founded by Kenneth Ritterbush in 1952 and was originally located along Railroad St., later moving to a location along Highway 30 and finally moved to is current location on the corner of A Avenue and E. 21st St.
The prior owner of Tex’s Café was Mary Livington, who had worked at the business in 1973 as a waitress and would later purchase the business in 1989.
Clayton said they began working on the sale in November 2025 and the café’s first day open for business under the new ownership was Jan. 3, 2026.
While the owners may have change, Clayton said Tex’s Café will still be focused on serving affordable, quality meals. “Old school diner vibes, plus quality breakfast and burgers that won’t break your budget,” per Tex’s Café’s social media.
Clayton said Tex’s Café also remains a family run business, with Morgan running the front of the business, while he is helping in the kitchen. “Service is guaranteed friendly and personal,” per the Café.
The menu still contains many favorites for breakfast including biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, build-your-own-omelettes, French toast, pancakes and a bagel breakfast sandwich.
While he isn’t a coffee drinker himself, Clayton said their coffee beans a grinded in-house daily and there is always a fresh pot brewing.
Clayton said they are putting a new emphasis on lunch with the updated menu including smash burgers. The burgers are hand pattied, grilled Nebraska beef and topped with American cheese on a brioche bun.
Other lunch baskets include a chicken sandwich, chicken strips, All American salad and Tex’s grilled tortilla wrap.
There has been a change in the hours, being closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Clayton said with the right staff the business could be opened for dinner later in the day in the future.
For those needing take out, Tex’s Café works with DoorDash and they also do take out orders. Clayton said they want to meet the customers where they are at and serve as many as they can.
Tex’s Café can now be found on Facebook, which will be the primary way to find information online, including daily specials and other offerings.
Clayton said running Tex’s Café has been a new experience for him and his family but they are excited to continue the Tex’s Café tradition of quality food for affordable prices.
Tex’s Cafe located on the corner of A Avenue and E. 21st St. in downtown Kearney, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
