For several generations, Ginny’s Drive-In has been a staple in the West Concord community. Known for their amazing burgers and tasty ice cream, Ginny’s has been serving the West Concord community since May of 1980. For many in the West Concord area, summer just isn’t “summer” until Ginny’s Drive-In is open for business.
Virginia “Ginny” and Bob Sendle founded Ginny’s Drive-In. Ginny was a mother, wife, and the office manager at the West Concord Enterprise. Bob was the West Concord Police Chief. Ginny’s Drive-In began because the Sendle family recognized that the nearest drive-in restaurant was 10 miles away. They also wanted to have a local restaurant that was open during the evenings in the summer months. They decided to lease the building that is now Ginny’s. The building was formerly Ken’s Drive-In from 1964-65 and later Phyl’s Drive-In from 1966-67. When the Sendle family leased the building, remodeling was desperately needed. Restoring the building and purchasing the needed equipment was truly a family and community effort. Local contractors labored and supplied materials, and Bob worked diligently to order the necessary equipment. Finally, through the trials and the dedication, Ginny’s opened on schedule. On Thursday, May 8, 1980, Ginny’s Drive-In was open for business. Running the Drive-In was a family effort. Bob helped get the Drive-In running in the morning. The Sendle children, Linda and Danny, also worked at the Drive-In, and Ginny helped oversee the daily operations. In addition, other local women helped to fill in the shifts.
Nearly 50 years later, Ginny’s Drive-In is still providing tasty summer treats to the West Concord community. In 2015, Lynn Nelson and her partner took over the Drive-In. Lynn later bought out her partner and is now committed to continuing the Ginny’s Drive-In legacy. Lynn enjoys running Ginny’s because of the people she gets to engage with and the food she gets to have a hand in making. The Concord Meat Locker provides Ginny’s with their signature hamburger patties, keeping the burgers locally sourced and fresh. Lynn says she enjoys the unique aspect of owning the Drive-In because they are so rare now.
Ginny’s Drive-In provides more than just juicy burgers and tasty ice cream. Each Wednesday from 4-7 pm, a small farmers' market is available for the community. The farmer’s market provides access to fresh produce and unique crafts each week. Ginny’s Drive-In has also been known to host several car shows throughout the years, as well as a family movie night. Stay tuned for upcoming events on the Ginny’s Drive-In Facebook page, and don’t forget to share their posts with your friends and family.
