COAL TOWNSHIP - Bob Spangenberg doesn't think the milkshake drinkers he served this weekend at Spangenberg's Family Drive-In are crazy for braving the frosty beverage in such low temperatures.
"They just haven't had them in three to four months. When you offer them a free one, they're anxious to get it," he said Sunday afternoon.
Thursday marked the 46th grand re-opening of the small eatery at 640 Center St., Tharptown, and the Spangenberg crew celebrated all weekend by giving out free milkshakes with their food baskets. Bob and his wife, Jean, ages 78 and 76 respectively, close the store in October and re-open in January each year to give themselves a break.
The opening weekend was "great," he said. "We were really busy considering the weather."
Temperatures were below freezing most of the weekend, and scattered snow showers provided a white coating several times.
In all, Spangenberg estimates that more than 1,000 milkshakes were provided to his customers in four days.
"It's nice to see people come out on such a cold weekend," Jean Spangenberg said.
The most popular flavor milkshakes are chocolate and vanilla follow closely by strawberry and peanut butter, Bob Spangenberg said.
The shakes were served with the chicken, cheesesteak, ham hoagie, shrimp, captain's fish or club sandwich baskets, he said.
In 2012, Bob and Jean took ownership back from their grandson, Tim Reuter, after 10 years of retirement.
Citing boredom, Bob Spangenberg said he wouldn't know what to do with himself if he wasn't running the business.
Plus, he said, he likes talking to customers and watching his employees grow from their first job to furthering their career goals.
The drive-in will continue to be open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They offer a wide variety of ice cream treats including Flavor Blasts, milkshakes, floats, sundaes and more than 30 flavors of soft serve ice cream.
They also have a full lunch and dinner menu including sandwiches, pizza, chicken, salads and specialty items.
For a minimum purchase, customers can also have their treats delivered free.