Residents of El Reno, Oklahoma, are planning a cruise Friday night in tribute to the longtime owner of Jobe’s Drive-In restaurant, who plans to auction his property the next morning.
Called The Last Cruise, about 400 people had signed up to participate on its Facebook page as of Tuesday. Robert Sanders, who has owned Jobe’s since 1969, will turn on the light for the last time at 7 that night until the cruise ends at 9.
Based on a story in the El Reno Tribune, it appears Sanders is selling the restaurant with some reluctance:
Last Dec. 13, Robert and Dorothy Sanders, co-owners of Jobe’s, were involved in a single car accident that occurred on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike in Grady County. The accident claimed the life of 66-year-old Dorothy and left Robert with injuries that required months in the hospital.
While he was recovering, family members, including brother, Charlie Sanders and friends opened Jobe’s for breakfast, helping to raise money for Robert’s medical treatment. They even began selling the famous Jobe’s hickory sauce. But without an infusion of youthful energy, only so much could be done. Several weeks ago it was decided to have Reding Auction Service conduct the sale that is expected to attract history lovers and restaurant types. Ken Reding said everything will be on the block. Property and all.
The cruise will not only serve as a goodbye, but as a tribute to Sanders. The restaurant, which opened in 1958 along Route 66, was known as a teenagers hangout for decades.
The auction doesn’t necessarily mean Jobe’s will cease to exist. But its future remains iffy at best after Saturday.
(Image of Jobe’s sign in 2003 by Kai Schreiber via Flickr)
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