Good News in January

 

 

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT DUB'S

As the new owners of this iconic restaurant, we would love to introduce ourselves. Upon hearing that Dubs was closing down for the season, we wanted to reach out and jump in to ensure it could reopen. 

These past few years we have seen so much change and growth in our not so little town anymore that we couldn't bear to not see Dubs return.

My wife and I are so excited to keep the traditions alive that surround Dubs. 

We want to keep the quality menu that is known and loved, but are also excited to bring some fun new changes that we hope you will all enjoy!

My wife Bethany was born and raised here in Sandpoint and loved her days growing up with Dubs and all the nostalgia that this restaurant holds. 

Being related to the former owners, she is thrilled to keep Dubs in the family.

I have been a part of this amazing community for about 10 years now and it's been a dream of mine to own a place like Dubs. 

I'm elated to bring you all the food, treats and great memories you have been enjoying at Dubs for many years and hopefully create the kind of environment to inspire new memories, too.

We have so many more announcements and news coming up soon, so please stay tuned. 

We are eager to see you all in the very near future and can't wait for you to see the changes we have made here at Dubs.

-Ryan & Bethany Welsh

The announcement above started circulating on Facebook late yesterday afternoon.  

I'm sure folks of all ages in many area households experienced some significant jubilation, knowing that one of the community icons would be back in business soon. 

Dub's is definitely a Sandpoint hub, situated near a stoplight where drivers are headed west or east on the highway out front or toward the Memorial Field sports complex just off from South Boyer, which runs north and south past the restaurant. 

When it comes to Dub's, pretty much every local has a story OR more to tell about their individual experiences as Dub's patrons. 

One of my favorites from the Love household goes back to the day when Bill underwent outpatient hernia surgery at Bonner General Hospital.

When I went to pick him up and take him home, he wasn't quite ready to head north on Boyer.

"Let's go by Dubs and get a DeeDee bar," he said.

So, we did. 

My friend and classmate Susan Stark Tate probably knows more stories than most about Dub's and its history. 

Her parents, Reuben and Mabel Stark, started the restaurant, which at the time, was called the Dari Delight and known to be across the playing field from the old junior high, now the Sandpoint Events Center. 

A while back, I asked Susan for some general information about her experiences.  

Yes. They built it. Dari Delite was a franchise. 

I think it opened in 1952. It started out as ice cream products only and added hamburgers, etc.  soon. 

The Dee Dee bar was their idea. It is a Dari Delite bar.

 It (the restaurant) was open usually March through October each year. They sold it for a couple of seasons around 1958 to 1959, because my dad was sure the bypass was going through. 

Bob Burns was the two-year owner. Mom worked for them the second year. 

Bought it back and sold in 1965 to Dub Lewis. It became Dub's in 1966, after they apparently dropped the franchise. 

During the Dari Delite years, there were two other locations owned by friends in Hayden lake and Coeur d' lane. The CDA one is on Sherman as a Rogers in the original building. 

 Short history. I can ask Cookie (sister) for more if you need more. Cookie and I both worked there.  

My first job was peeling potatoes for the fresh French fries.  Mom's chiliburger was a signature item.

And my parents did not live to see the bypass! 

And so, a new chapter for Dari Delite/Dub's begins, much like we saw years ago when another local icon, The Three-Name Lounge aka Tam o' Shanter, Tavern, Tervan survived the wrecking ball to experience yet another golden era.

Best of luck to the new owners.  Can't wait to go for a leisurely summer evening drive with chocolate and vanilla ice cream melting and dribbling down my hands. 

All will be well. 

Twas nice to have a "little good news today." 

Happy Tuesday.