ivy’s Neighborhood Gem
Our Story
Duner’s Restaurant has been a beloved staple in Ivy, Virginia, since 1983. It all started when Duner and Alice Tor purchased a small motel property so Duner could chase his dream of opening a restaurant. From day one, high-quality food and warm hospitality set Duner’s apart.
In 1988, longtime team member Bob Caldwell took over, shaping Duner’s into a cherished neighborhood institution. Over the years, the restaurant evolved, adapting to the community’s needs while staying true to its roots.
In 2022, Bob passed the torch to local restaurateur Wilson Richey, who brought new energy while honoring tradition. After Duner’s successfully served diners during the pandemic under a large tent, the “porch” was designed to meet growing demand and excitement. When Wilson passed in 2023, Chef Christian stepped in to continue the legacy.
Today, Duner’s remains a destination for exceptional food, an extensive wine and whiskey selection, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Our Space
Part of the Duner’s tradition comes from the nostalgic main dining rooms. The beautiful newer “Porch” is heated in Winter, cooled in Summer, and screened in during temperate evenings. All dining spaces feature artwork by rotating visual artists, celebrating the regional art community.
Our Management Team
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Matthew Blaszak
Sommelier & General Manager
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Matt is a proud native of Colonial Heights, Virginia. After studying Geographic Information Systems at Old Dominion University, he discovered his true passion in the dynamic world of food and beverage. Matthew has built an impressive career in the industry, earning a Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers and studying beer through the Cicerone program. His expertise has played a key role in elevating several local programs, including Bizou, Prime 109, Whiskey Jar, Bebedero, South & Central, and Afton Mountain Vineyards. In addition to his work on award-winning programs, Matthew has been instrumental in launching beloved local spots like Brasserie Saison, Hogwaller Brewing, and Kama. Having worked with most of the prominent restaurant groups in Charlottesville, Matthew’s journey with Ten Course Hospitality saw him rise from server to management, eventually becoming the Beverage & Hospitality Director for the company. He lives with his wonderful wife, Cynthia, and their cat, Leo, who provide him with the perfect balance of love and laughter after a busy day in the restaurant world.
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Hayden Berry
Kitchen Manager
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Hayden developed an interest in cooking at an early age due to his parents’ extensive travel and adventurous spirit in the kitchen. He started working in restaurants washing dishes at The Cotton Exchange, Charlottesville’s treasure from the 1980’s. By 1986 Hayden was cooking in the kitchen at The Blue Moon Diner and The Cotton Exchange and by 1988 he landed at Duner’s. Hayden missed his first shift because he slept in after getting home late from a Grateful Dead show in Ohio. However, he credits Bob for giving him a second chance because he spent the following 17 years learning and honing his cooking skills and working with his best friend and wife, Cathy. Hayden and Cathy opened and operated their own restaurant in 2005 called Three Notch’d Grill in Crozet until it closed in 2016. Hayden helped Harvest Moon Catering open its newest facility and was a member of the management team. He supported Bob navigate the uncertain times during a global pandemic at Duner’s and spent time working for University Village’s food program.
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Linda Steiner
Pastry Chef
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Linda started her culinary career in a small family-owned gourmet deli in Princeton NJ. She went on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. After several years working in Central Virginia locally for Glenmore and honing her skills at Boar's Head Inn, she finally landed at Duner's as the full time Pastry Chef in 1999. Linda has been putting out desserts that keep devoted customers coming back over and over again.
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Christian Kelly
Co-Owner & Executive Chef
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Christian was raised on a dairy farm in New York and was ushered into the restaurant business by his uncle and brothers, quickly finding his love of the commercial kitchen. After spending a few years working under celebrity chef, Bruce Hill, in San Francisco, Christian moved to Virginia. He had the pleasure of working with chef John Haywood, at Oxo, and soon became Executive Chef at The Clifton Inn where he earned the Relais & Chateau restaurant status for the historical site. Christian created and co-owned Maya Restaurant on Main Street in Charlottesville, VA for 16 years. He left his passion project to help International Hotel Group open a Kimpton Hotel property on the campus of Darden Business School at the University of Virginia. Christian has been a patron of Duner’s for many years and is now the proud executive chef and owner of this institution that he knows is meaningful to the neighborhood of Ivy and beyond.
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Jennifer Tweel Kelly
Co-Owner & Consultant
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Jennifer is a native of Charlottesville and comes from an immigrant Lebanese family who created, and for 86 years (three generations) operated Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House, the only James Beard award-winning restaurant in West Virginia. Jennifer’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create and manage The Hip Joint, a dance and yoga boutique in Downtown Charlottesville. She enjoyed supporting various performing arts communities for 12 years before selling the business. Jennifer is an AmSAT-certified Alexander Technique teacher and works with posture and movement in educational settings. She has a master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a somatic psychotherapist for Hannah Pocock & Associates. She and her husband also collaborate and play in their life together with their two children, Maya and Will.
Farms & Food used at Duner’s
At Duner’s we’re passionate about sourcing the freshest produce, meats, and dairy from local farms and purveyors. Supporting our community’s growers not only ensures top-quality flavors on every plate but also strengthens the connection between our kitchen and the land.
Supporting the Community
Among the many local schools, organizations and artists that Duner’s supports, we are proud to partner with or sponsor the following local non-profits:
