Colton Totland

Silverton Appeal Tribune

Bob's Hamburgers is making a comeback, one season at a time.

The former fast food chain announced this week it will be in business for the holidays after two successful outings at the Marion County and Oregon State Fairs this summer.

Starting Friday, Oct. 10, loyal customers can find Bob's Hamburgers for a bite of nostalgia at the Salem Center food court, selling combos — complete with the chain's secret sauce — seven days a week.

The woman behind the resurgence is Gina Dankenbring, owner of Golden Grill Concessions and once a manager for Bob's Hamburgers before it went out of business in 2001. Dankenbring announced the new location in a Facebook post, and alluded to more appearances by the fast food joint in the future.

"We feel that this temporary venture in the mall will be the best way to give you your Bob's fix while we discuss future plans with Bob Corey and his family," she said.

Prior to closing in 2001, Bob's Hamburgers was a Salem destination for more than 40 years, with Bob Corey opening the first location in 1955 downtown. It soon became a regional brand, known for offering burgers, fries and drinks for less than 20 cents each.

On June 27, the Statesman Journal reported that the chain would reappear after 13 years for a stint at the Marion County Fair, following a contract agreement between Dankenbring and Corey — news that drew 8,400 shares on Facebook.

Dankenbring said while the menu, prices and hours of operation have yet to be determined, the Salem Center location will be open all week throughout the holidays.