OUR PARTNER
It’s hot out there. Cool down with a $1.00 ice cream cone from Bob’s Drive-In, who is celebrating their 70th anniversary today.
Opened on July 3rd, 1949, as the first Dairy Queen in Kentucky has progressed into what is now known as Bob’s Drive-In because the original owner, Bob Holman, wanted to begin selling cheeseburgers to pair with the ice cream that was served. At the time that went against Dairy Queen’s rules so Bob and DQ had a parting of ways and Bob’s Drive-In was born.
In the early 50s, Bob’s trip to Mexico inspired Paducah’s most famous sandwich, the Fiesta Burger, when he noticed the locals putting chili and cheese on top of their hamburgers. “It’s our sales leader every single day,” says the current owner, Neil Ward who has owned and operated Bob’s Drive-In since 1978, when he was only 19 years old.
The Fiesta Burger can be had for a meager $4.00 with a side of fries on Fiesta Mondays making it one of the best lunch bargains in town. Neil has kept many traditions alive, such as the $1.00 ice cream cone, but has expanded the property to include a playground and a catering facility, Neil’s Catering. Bob’s also hosts a cruise in car show every Saturday night where you can come and take a look at vintage muscle cars under the neon lights.
“We have many faithful, loyal customers that have been eating at Bob’s for over 50 years and several times a week.”
Next time you’re passing through the south side make sure to stop by for a visit to one of Paducah’s icons and cool down with a frozen treat. “We love all of our customers. We have many faithful, loyal customers that have been eating at Bob’s for over 50 years and several times a week.” says Neil and when asked about the future plans for Bob’s, he had this to say: “We plan to keep serving quality food at reasonable prices for many years to come.”
We’d like to thank Neil Ward for his years of dedication to our community, and our sponsor, CFSB for assisting us in telling the story of Bob’s Drive-In.
