REARDAN, Wash. — Thursday marked a bittersweet day at Dean's Drive-In. The family business of nearly 30 years is closing.
For residents stopping by, the orders may take a minute, but whatever comes off the grill is worth the wait.
Customer Bill Guhlke loves their burgers, but his daughter Kristy is partial to their milkshakes. Beyond that, this family appreciates the hub the drive-in is to the community.
"A lot of time kids came down here after their football or basketball game and got a burger," he said.
Robin Landreth's family took over Dean's Drive-In in 1996.
"I wanted my kids to be able to work somewhere I could kind of keep an eye on them and make sure that they were learning the right things," Landreth said.
Her family filled most of the positions.
"First was my mom and my sister, and we took them from their other jobs," Landreth said.
Over the years, Dean's Drive-In hired about 100 employees. All became extended family.
"If somebody just needed a side job or just to make a little extra money income, they always knew they could come and we'd find a place for them," Landreth said.
Landreth's family has grown up and some have moved away. That's why she's ready to retire and spend tome with the newest members of the family.
"Lot's of friends, lots of memories in this place," she said. "That's why it's going to be hard to walk away."
In just a blink of an eye, 27 years flew by. But, the memories will live on.
"It's been like a lifetime, but something wonderful," she said.
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