First up on our list of Iconic Locations is JB's Drive-In. Opened in 1937, this Drive-In and Diner has been run by one family since its start.
Like many citizens of Northern Colorado, I have countless memories of pulling in to a parking spot and ordering food, or going inside and using the red phones on the wall. (Who else remembers JB's JR.?)
This staple of Garden City (let's face it, most of Northern Colorado) was sorely missed when they had to close down permanently in 2021. It re-emerged in 2022 as Jess' Drive-Inn Food Truck as a much more manageable operation for the family and a small staff. Most of your favorites are still being served from the food truck, and it still tastes just as good as when it was JB's.
I met Rod by chance when I was technically trespassing on his property one night in 2023. I had gone to JB's after the food truck had closed to take some photos of the drive-in as my first project for Discover Greeley (which you are now reading).
Rod pulled up beside me in his truck as he was leaving and asked what I was up to. Once I explained everything, we had a pleasant conversation in which he invited me to return during business hours to check out the inside of the building. I returned a few days later to visit what I thought was a long lost memory.
Walking inside JB's diner, I felt a flood of emotions. The happiness and warmth of nostalgia mixed with the sadness of the silence and closure. Never in my life has JB's been quiet when visiting. It felt surreal, like a moment frozen in time. It was almost like I could hear the buzz and hum of the restaurant being open again.
I soaked in the memories as I methodically photographed the inside of the diner. I said my goodbye and shut off the lights before returning to the outside of this Garden City landmark.
There are no plans to reopen the JB's diner and drive-in, but you can get some of that nostalgia back from the food truck that sits in the same drive-in lot. The food truck currently operates 4 days a week. Details can be found on their Facebook page.
5 comments
JB’s was our favorite place hang out when cruising in the late 70’s. The double burgers were the best. Fondly remember getting the large dunk cup of catsup.to go with a large fries.
I would love a family photo shoot inside.
I remember going there on Friday and Saturday nights to hang out with friends I live about 4 hours away, but we always stopped to eat there when passing through My kids liked the place and the stories, I told them about the place I’ll never forget it or them.
Moved to Greeley in 1957 and went to Dog n Sud’s – then JB’s until I left in 2016. The all time best shrimp!!! I hope if I come back the food truck will be open! Thank you for so many years of memories!❤️
It was our go to place especially when we wanted to take out of town guests out to lunch. Food truck is okay but miss being inside.