SPRINGFIELD, Minn. -
The Solar Drive-In has been the quintessential small-town diner for quite a while in Springfield.
But the owners are going to give up the diner, and focus on healthy cooking lessons - ever conscious of the growing obesity problem in America.
Owner Deanne Bryce said, "With the health thing, it was like 'ehhh'. We're putting out so many calories that people are consuming that they don't need to be consuming. So that's the philosophy for us. When you're a small business owner you don't always do it to make a lot of money. You do it because it's something you're passionate about."
The Solar Drive-in has always been an original... fresh produce gardens outside a burger joint aren't too common.
But now they're taking an even more unique step.
They're going to close it down.
Too many calories, too many additives, too many allergens.
In its place, the owners will focus on cooking lessons, and experimenting with food that everyone will be able to eat.
Right now, there's plenty of good menu items, but the Bryce's are going to focus on gluten free fare, and make their mission to change how the community eats.
Owner Steve Bryce says, "It doesn't appear to be doing America's waistline any good. My goal is to be standard American food and we make great tasting food here. But take food that is healthier and make it taste great. So when somebody says boy, let's go out and have healthy food, you don't say yuck."
Steve understands that challenge better than most perhaps.
The Bryce's spent time in Philadelphia before coming to southern Minnesota, and Steve developed a deep love of the infamous Philly cheese steak, especially the bread it was served on.
It will be a tough mission finding a gluten, egg and dairy-free alternative.
Bryce says, "It tastes good, it really does. But for a lot of people it doesn't do you any good."
