BYRON, Ill. (WIFR) – Charlene Coulomb was ready to close on the Sam’s Drive-In property in Byron. She assembled developers and met with city leaders to plan a family-friendly restaurant to replace the previously popular spot serving sweet and savory treats.
“Then someone came in the day before and offered us the same deal,” admits Coulombe, executive director of the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation. That “someone” would be Super Bowl champion Sean Considine.
The NFL veteran and Byron resident announced on social media that his family had purchased the “historic” property.
“I am very aware that many people have strong feelings about Sam’s, and this is a true tribute to the families and people who make Sam’s a great place for everyone.” Considine admits.
Although Mr Coulombe’s deal fell through, she welcomes Sam remaining locally with ownership.
As of October 8, 2023, the drive-in has closed until further notice. Former owner Shirley Aldrich declared managing the property alone was too much and retired.
“It was a local stop,” said Byron Mayor John Rickard. “It’s good that it continues or has the potential to continue.”
As we drove through town while the restaurant was open, we saw Sam’s 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air perched on a 30-foot pole. Below, Byron families enjoyed burgers, root beer, and ice cream at after-school destinations from 2005 to 2023.
Without this facility, Coulombe sees students heading to the Cayce gas station to unwind from class. “Children in high school and above have no place to work on their homework.”
The business leader appreciates Ogle County’s growth, but also appreciates Considine’s acquisition. Coulombe recalls a developer proposing a strip mall to replace Sam’s property.
“Everyone is welcome to come and check it out,” Mayor Rickard said, encouraging business from near and far. “It’s just that local people have personal feelings about it.”
The Super Bowl champions acknowledged that demolition may be necessary due to damage from July’s tornadoes. Coulomb added that the roof and equipment are also showing significant wear and tear, and he estimates it will cost $80,000 just to replace the speakers.
Still, business leaders are counting on Byron residents to figure out what should happen next. She hopes the city’s “family” of students and teachers will reward local purchases.
“All of these people will contribute to the success of that building,” Coulomb asserts. She saw “that building” as potentially having a “Happy Days” theme, according to early proposals.
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