Can you tell us the story behind how and why the restaurant started in 1957?

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, drive-in restaurants were booming in Rochester—it was the trend of the time. That’s when Dick and Joyce Dawald decided to open what became Dick’s Drive-In. They started out as part of the B&K Drive-In franchise, but after about a year, Dick wanted to branch out and offer something different on the menu. So, he parted ways with the franchise to go independent.

Around that time, Dick had a friend from New Mexico who shared a recipe for tacos—something almost no one in this area had heard of back then. Inspired by that, Dick introduced tacos to the menu, and they quickly became a standout item.

The train depot nearby brought travelers in from Chicago, and word spread fast. People were curious to try this “new” dish. Believe it or not, most locals didn’t even know what a taco was at the time! But it caught on, and 68 years later, those tacos are still on the menu and just as popular.

What was on the original menu, and do any of those items still make an appearance today?

The original owners never changed their menu much. Tamales Milkshakes and we still serve a lot of that today

You have been in business in Rochester since 1957 – 68 years! What do you believe is the key to your longevity and success?

I think it really comes down to the Dawald’s’ work ethic. They were incredibly dedicated and had high standards when it came to food quality. From the beginning, they were relentless in making sure everything was done right. One of the biggest reasons for Dick’s Drive-In’s lasting success is that the core recipes haven’t changed since 1958—and people notice that. Over the years, I’ve had so many customers tell me they’ve been coming here since they were kids, and the food still tastes exactly the same.

At one point, there were five drive-ins in Rochester. Now, there are only two left. I actually owned the B&K Drive-In here in the ’90s, so I’ve always had a soft spot for these places. It’s tough seeing them close, and there’s always a chance that one day they just might disappear altogether.

Dick’s Drive-In was actually closed for a year right before I bought it, and that was part of what pushed me to step in. From 1957 to 2018, it never changed hands—that kind of consistency, with one family running it for over six decades, really helped preserve the original recipes and the spirit of the place.

What role has the drive-in played in the life of the town over the decades?

It’s really been a part of people’s lives in so many ways. I hear stories all the time—this was the first job for a lot of folks, and some of them are in their late 70s now. For many people, Dick’s was also the first place they ever tried a taco. That’s something that really stuck with them.

When they were putting in the railroad nearby, it brought a lot of people through the area, and the drive-in became a natural gathering spot. We’ve even had people tell us they met their spouse here. Stories like that come up every single week—it’s amazing how many memories are tied to this little place.

If you could tell a newcomer one thing to try for their first visit to Dick’s Drive-in, what would it be?

It would have to be the tacos of course and the cheeseburgers as well

How can Fulton County residents get ahold of you and what are your hours?

Yes, we’re getting ready to expand our hours now that school is out for the summer. The best way to stay up to date is to give us a call at (574) 223-3087—our voicemail is always updated with our current hours. You can also check out our Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements.