Emily Collins, the proprietor of The Root Beer Stande on Woodman, is celebrating her 17th anniversary of owning the business this Friday, July 11th. In sharing her story about acquiring the business she she told us she graduated from Stivers School for the Arts, left Dayton to attend Ohio University, where she received a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. Upon graduation she returned to Dayton and struggled to find a job where she could use her degree. So she taught part time and worked in the food industry, as she had through high school and college. Her dad, who ran Klosterman Bakery came home one day told her the stand was for sale. Always wanting to own her own business, Emily decided she’d buy the place. So she went to the bank and says they looked at her like she was a crazy 24 year old, but suggested she put a business plan together.
Hank’s Burger
It took her almost a year working with the SBA and in 2008 she actually bought the business from Alex Fabrick. What she didn’t realize is that the business was in bad shape. So she started making repairs as she could and marketing the Stande to attract new business. She upgraded the menu, expanding from just hot doge fries and onion rings. She added Hank’s Hearty Burgers Made with Love, Hand-pattied 1/4 pound Angus burger including her favorite, the mushroom swiss burger.
She told us they currently sell about 800 hotdogs a week, with the Foot Long being their #1 seller, followed closely by The Dirty D- a Bacon wrapped, deep fried dog, smothered with chili, mustard, onions and cheese. They also have a pizza menu and added the Sno Shack a couple of years ago.
As part of the 17th anniversary celebration they will have footlongs buy one; get one for $1.17. Hanks burgers and dogs are $7.17. Hank’s burgers will be the deal of the day today. Your choice of a hand crafted burger, fries, and a drink for $12.99. We suggest a frosty mug of Rootbeer.Emily invites everyone to come celebrate on July 11th, noting “we wouldn’t have made it this long without you!” She also credits her employees for helping her business succeed. She says she still has many of the same ones she hired 17 years that were in their teens then and now are mother’s working part time.
Dayton, OH,
port parking where oldies tunes are heard overhead on a speaker system. Parking is also available in various uncovered spots around the building. It is a great dining experience, and the young staff is very friendly. When they are busy, you may have to wait a little bit to get your food, so don’t go there if you are in a hurry. The fun begins when you pull in, and one of the cute servers slaps a small plastic sheet on patron’s windshields with a serving number. After your order is taken, make sure you roll your window up a third, so they can place the tray with your food on the window as an overhang. One little known tradition is that putting your car headlights on lets the server know that you are ready to leave and need to have your tray removed.
The Big Ragu loves a good hot dog and 