Bonnie Doon Ice Cream facts for kids
Bonnie Doon Ice Cream was a popular American ice cream brand that started in 1938. Three brothers from the Muldoon family in Indiana, USA, created it. Before opening, they held a contest in the South Bend Tribune newspaper in 1937 to find a name for their new restaurant. The Muldoon family even named one of their daughters, Bonnie Muldoon Witt, after their successful business!
Bonnie Doon became famous for its many restaurants. These places offered both indoor dining and a special drive-in service. You could order your food through a speaker, and a "car hop" would bring it right to your car. People loved their Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. They also sold a tasty hamburger called the Bonnie Burger. The restaurants were very successful for many years.
The Bonnie Doon Story
Bonnie Doon ice cream was made at a special factory in Elkhart, Indiana. This delicious ice cream was then sold at their drive-in diners across Indiana and Michigan. The company was sold in 1990. The ice cream factory in Elkhart closed its doors at the end of 2013.
Today, only one Bonnie Doon diner is still open. It is located in Mishawaka, Indiana. This remaining diner now serves Valpo Velvet ice cream, which is made in nearby Valparaiso, Indiana.
Where Were Bonnie Doon Diners?
Over the years, Bonnie Doon had several drive-in locations. Here are some of the places where people enjoyed their ice cream and burgers:
- South Bend, Indiana: On Lincolnway West, at the corner of Lincolnway West and Bendix Drive.
- South Bend, Indiana: At 52446 SR 933, north of Roseland.
- South Bend, Indiana: In the 1600 block of South Michigan Street.
- Mishawaka, Indiana: At 109 E 4th Street.
- Mishawaka, Indiana: At 2704 Lincolnway West. This is the only Bonnie Doon location still open today.
External links
- Bonnie Doon Drive-In Facebook page
