One of Bismarck’s oldest restaurants is under new ownership.
Local restaurant manager Kurt Dilger closed on purchasing Scotty’s Drive-in earlier this week from previous owners Dave and Nancy Turner, who owned the restaurant since their 2007 purchase from long-time owners, the Roehrichs.
With a promising outlook for the restaurant, Scotty’s has extended its hours to 11am-7pm Monday through Saturday. While still currently closed Sundays, its new owner won’t rule out expanding to all seven days if demand warrants. Its Facebook Page, largely abandoned since 2013, is also seeing recent activity.
Dilger plans to improve the long-standing restaurant’s curb appeal by restoring the canopy and sign back to the original look. He says that great guest experiences are a top priority, offering quality food with friendly service. Things best associated with Scotty’s won’t change, however, such as classic car nights and its iconic menu items.
Dilger added that the response on Facebook to the purchase and ongoing improvements has been phenomenal and that he’s honored to have purchased such an icon as Scotty’s.
Scotty’s Drive-in
Opened in 1965, Scotty’s is reportedly the third oldest restaurant still serving Bismarck. Famous for such items as the Rebel Burger and Tartar Burger, Scotty’s holds true to its drive-in roots with its retro theme and classic car nights. Once part of a regional chain, with locations in at least six states; the Bismarck location is now one of only three known survivors (Scottsbluff, NE and Idaho Falls, ID being the others). None of the remaining locations have any connection to each other.
Did you know? The Rebel Burger is named for former KFYR Radio personality “Ol’ Reb” Jack Fisher.
Under the reign of the Turners, the restaurant saw significant improvements, including the addition of a drive-through, restoration of the original sign, and major renovation to its interior and exterior.
According to Dilger’s LinkedIn profile, he is the Director of Area Operations for Wendy’s, having worked for the company since 1992.
Scotty’s is located at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 21st Street.
