Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DOLTER'S DRIVE-IN
DOLTER'S DRIVE-IN. With roots dating back to 1947, Dolter's was the first fast-food drive-in located in Dubuque. It began when Ray and Eunice Dolter returned to their native Dubuque from Milwaukee where they operated a grocery and beer store.
Milwaukee residents were then enjoying frozen custard. The Dolters decided to try the idea in Dubuque and opened the Quonset Drive-Inn at 3265 Central. The Milwaukee treat did not do well in Dubuque, so the decision was made to sell ice cream. The menu was expanded to include the typical fast food menu--burgers, fries, and onion rings. The Quonset operated from 1947 to 1956 when rental issues forced the Dolters to move across the road where Dolter's Drive-Inn began business.
The specialty of the restaurant was the "Big Boy Burger," a double cheeseburger. It retained its name until representatives of the Big Boy chain which had legal right to the name forced a change. (1) Another unique feature was being served in your car. The restaurant was a family operation with the couple's five children all taking their place in the business. (2)
Dolter's held their own in the 1960s and 1970s with the giants of the fast food industry. In February, 1977 the drive-in sponsored a contest in which two winners won their height in the signature sandwich of the establishment--the Big D. (3)
In 1979, however, Ray Dolter sold the building to Jan DesJardin who relocated his Submarina sub sandwich shop to the former Dolter's site. This busines was sold in 1982 to Wayne Morine who operated it until 1988 when he sold to Ernie Kretz who owned a service station on the adjacent property. (4)
The 1957 through 1974 Dubuque City Directory listed 3265 Central.
From 1975 to 1978 there were three stores: 1001 Central, 3265 Central, and 910 Dodge.
The 1979 Dubuque City Directory listed 910 Dodge.
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Source:
1. Day, Mike. "The Golden Age of Drive-Ins," Telegraph Herald, June 24, 2012, p. 6A
2. Gallo, Matt. "First Drive-In to Close," Telegraph Herald, April 25, 1988, p. 1
3. Day, Mike, "Research Reveals Odd Occurrences in Late '70s," Telegraph Herald, December 19, 2021, p. 10A
4. Gallo
