Patrick Anderson

panderson@argusleader.com

Bob’s Café might be up for sale, but its operator said he has no plans to close.

For now.

Ben Weiland, who runs the decades-old restaurant on 12th Street, knows drivers might have been surprised to see a real estate sign anchored to the sidewalk out front.

But Weiland said he’ll continue to keep the doors open during posted hours, at least until someone makes an offer. And even then, it could be three to six months before he’s forced to make a decision between moving or closing.

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“If your question is, ‘Are you planning on going out of business soon?’” Weiland said. “My answer is ‘no.’”

However, depending on who the new owner is and what their plans are, Weiland said the ball would eventually be back in his court. He may continue to pay rent for the space. He may move to another location. Or, he could decide to close, Weiland said.

Bob’s opened in 1951 in the space initially occupied by Ray’s Drive Inn. The building initially opened in 1944 as the Pickle Palace. Bob Lyons was working at Ray’s as the night manager before he bought the property. Lyons’ family is now looking for someone else to buy, Weiland said.

He knows baby boomers and others who grew up in Sioux Falls think of the restaurant fondly.

“I think it’s near and dear to a lot of people’s hearts,” Weiland said.

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