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.
JIM'S DRIVE-IN/DOLTER'S DRIVE-IN
JIM'S DRIVE-IN. In operation from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s, Jim's Drive-In at 10th and Central was started by Jim Kunnert. He was encouraged by the success of SANDY'S THRIFT & SWIFT DRIVE INN on Dodge Street.
Trusting in his experiences working in food service at the University of Iowa, employment at the GROVE DRIVE-IN and some on-the-job training at Jerry's Restaurant in Freeport, Illinois, he purchased equipment in Chicago.
Opening the restaurant in the morning, Kunnert began with several students suggested by his brother, a teacher at WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. Since none of the employees had cars, he drove them home every night. He also hired an former employee of Sandy's for his experience.
With a busy downtown, Kunnert remembered several very prosperous years. During one promotion, the restaurant sold 5,000 TURKEY AND DRESSING SANDWICHES in one weekend.
The 1957 through 1972 Dubuque City Directory listed 3265 Central.
The 1977 Dubuque City Directory listed 3265 Central, 1001 Central, and 910 Dodge.