William Glasheen

The (Appleton, Wis.) Post-Crescent

KAUKAUNA, Wis. — A man in love with a seasonal restaurant's cheeseburger waited 13 hours through snow and wind to be the first customer of 2017 at Dick's Drive-In.

Tony Penterman's annual craving began 10 years ago when he was between jobs and had time on his hands. The next year he had the day off, and a tradition was born.

"People just started expecting me to be the first in line," he said.

The doors opened at 10:30 a.m. CT Wednesday, but Penterman waited overnight as temperatures dipped to 21 degrees. With wind gusts of 10 to 13 mph, the wind chill was near zero.

In the past 10 years, Penterman has been served first eight times. Dick's opens each year in early March and stays open into the fall, serving burgers, fries and shakes.

Follow William Glasheen on Twitter: @WmGlasheen

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