Local dairy bar operators ready for a ‘grand’ time
By Sue Hughes | For The Times-Post
PENDLETON —Sherry Richwine loves her job. It’s obvious in the way she talks about what she does.
Sherry and her husband Terry own Jimmie’s Dairy Bar in Pendleton. On Saturday, Nov. 13, the Town of Pendleton will honor them by making them grand marshals of the annual Christmas parade.
The Richwines have owned the restaurant since 1977. In 44 years, they have made some changes. They added on a dining room so they could be open year ‘round and made changes to the menu. Their signature sandwich, the Barbeque, has been made the same way for 67 years.
Jimmie’s was opened in 1954 by Jimmie and Wanda Camp. It has had just two owners in that time.
The Richwines have applied to be recognized as a historic building.
In 1977, Sherry was looking for a new career and asked Jimmie if he would sell the business to her. He said no at first but changed his mind three weeks later.
In addition to running the restaurant, the Richwine family is involved in several community service projects.
Terry has been a police officer in different capacities for many years. After retiring, he couldn’t sit still very long. He started working security at Hoosier Park and the Indiana Grand Casino in Shelbyville, but retired again.
Then he was offered the job as the police chief in Alexandria. After talking with Sherry, he accepted the job and is working there now.
Sherry is involved in politics in Madison County, and that job keeps her pretty busy. She is also a member of Sigma Phi Gamma, a service sorority in Pendleton. It does volunteer projects throughout town every year.
They have two children, Angie and Sean.
Sean is police officer in Anderson as well as an EMT.
Angie runs a daycare out of her home.
Both children worked in the dairy bar as teenagers.
Jimmie’s sponsors two baseball teams every year. They offer a 20% discount to all teams in the summer. They love to see baseball, basketball and football teams come in after their games.
The Richwines have enjoyed living in Pendleton and raising their children and now grandchildren here.
Sherry said she employes local youths.
“I love the students,” she said.
She tries to fine the perfect fit for each student she hires, sometime window service, sometimes as a cook.
“You get the chance every now and then to give positive input,” she said. “Our customers and employees have become family to us”.
They have people come from as far away as Fort Wayne to try to the Barbeque sandwich and the tangerine ice cream. They also offer 20% discount to senior citizens and police officers.
Married 48 years, with two children and five grandchildren, the Richwines said they are pleased to be chosen as grand marshals of the Christmas in Pendleton parade.