PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University Alum, locals and hamburger lovers can’t wait for Pullman’s Cougar Country Drive In to reopen under new ownership.
For Wyman and Betty Staples, the return means so much more. Their love story started just across the street.
“She lived in the apartment below me and my dog would go down there and woof down her dog’s food,” Wyman said.
That apartment was just a stone’s throw from Cougar Country. A place where they had many dates.
"We would just stop for lunch every now and then I just remember good hamburgers, good milkshakes," Betty said.
They were surprised to learn when the business abruptly close because of financial issues.
"We came back and found out it was closed up and we were really kind of sad," Wyman said.
It wasn't long before the owners of Zoe Coffeehouse and pub bought their favorite burger spot.
"We just knew somebody else would buy it, because it's so close to the students as it is here," Betty said.
They said there's no one perfect recipe for a marriage that last nearly a half century, but food is a good start.