(Editor’s note: Surviving the Hard Times is a new series in the Daily News. Each week a long-standing locally owned business that is surviving in today’s hard economic times will be featured.)
Reina P. Cunningham
Staff Writer
Conley’s Drive-In is this week’s Surviving the Hard Times business.
Located at 708 Lothbury Avenue in Middlesboro, Conley’s drive-in has been at this address for the past 32 years.
Conley’s was originally opened as an ice cream and burger stand on North 12th Street in 1960 by Scott Conley and his wife. In 1967, the Conleys decided they had to sell the business because Scott became ill.
Elwood and Sally May purchased the business from the Conleys with the stipulation they would leave the name of the business as “Conley’s Drive-In.” Sally worked for the Conleys at the time.
In 1979, the Mays closed the business and sold the property.
The next year, their son, Jackie, built the present location of Conley’s Drive-In. What started out as an ice cream and burger stand evolved into a drive-in featuring 25 different sandwich options, 15 burger choices, 27 side order items, six varieties of dinner boxes, along with 15 hot dog and chili options.
Jackie attributes his 32 years of success to the loyalty of his customers.
“We’ve been blessed,” he said with appreciation.
Conley’s is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Daily specials include their hamburger deluxe Monday through Wednesday and their No. 1 seller, foot-long hot dog, Thursday through Saturday.
Conley’s has been voted Reader’s Choice Best Hot Dog 23 years in a row. The drive-in was also voted best chili and best french fries last year and best hamburger in 2008-2010.
Jackie welcomes everyone to stop by and see him at Conley’s Drive-In where “the difference between good food and fast food is Conley’s Drive In.”
Call in orders at 248-1741 for fast pickup.
To nominate a long-standing locally owned business to be featured in Surviving the Hard Times, contact Reina Parker Cunningham at rpcunningham@civitasmedia.com or by phone at 606-248-1010, ext. 205.
Keep em coming Jackie!!!!!