(Le Mars) — Le Mars is promoting itself as a destination community. On Sunday afternoon, at the Plymouth County Historical Museum, discussion will focus on the history of three famous Le Mars restaurants. All three of them are dining destinations. Lorrie Luense will discuss the history of three
family-owned restaurants that have remained in business and passed down from generation to generation. The three restaurants include: Archie’s Waeside, Bob’s Drive-Inn and Lally’s Eastside Restaurant. Luense says Archie’s Waeside was started in 1949 by her grandfather.
Luense says her mother started helping at Archie’s at the age of 19.
Through the years Archie’s Waeside has developed a reputation for serving quality food. Today, the restaurant attracts visitors not only from the immediate area, but many people travel from other states to eat and enjoy the Archie’s experience.
Luense says Archie’s has been fortunate to have long-term employees, which she says adds to the steak house reputation.
Another famous Le Mars restaurant is Bob’s Drive-Inn started by
Bob Kass, handed down to his son, Myles, who in turn has passed it on to the third generation.
Each of the three family-owned restaurants have their specialty. For Archie’s it’s their steaks, Bob’s are the hot dogs and loose meat sandwiches, and for Lally’s its their broasted chicken.
Luense, who volunteers at the Plymouth County Historical Museum says Sunday’s session will be the first in a series of sessions looking at the history of Le Mars as the community acknowledges and celebrates our Sesquicentennial. In addition to the focus on the restaurants, Wayne Marty will also discuss the history of Le Mars churches. Future sessions will feature speakers as they look at the schools, culture, and businesses.
