Longtime Roan Mountain eatery is closing
Published 2:08 pm Thursday, March 23, 2023
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Contributed by Bob's Dairyland Featured in my Images of America: Roan Mountain book shows Bob's Dairyland with walk-up windows.
Contributed Photo Bob’s Dairyland announced it will close its doors at the end of March.
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BY ROBERT SORRELL
Star Correspondent
Longtime Roan Mountain eatery Bob’s Dairyland will close its doors at the end of March.
The restaurant, which is located at 8361 Highway 19E in Roan Mountain, announced the closure Wednesday on Facebook.
“Joe [Miller] is retiring from the food service industry, and we have therefore made the decision to cease operations after 70+ years serving the Roan Mountain community and our region,” owners Joe and Sonya Miller said.
The Millers said they have made friends from all areas of the country and around the world while operating Bob’s Dairyland.
“The friendships of our customers and employees, and the memories we have shared will never be forgotten,” the Millers said.
Anyone interested in purchasing equipment or memorabilia from the restaurant can contact Joe Miller at the restaurant between now and March 31 or via Facebook Messenger. Everything in the building is for sale. The business and property are currently for sale on the real estate market.
“We are excited to begin the next phase of our lives,” the Millers said.
The Millers said they hope to announce more news in the near future, but for now, they are grateful for their supporters over the decades.
Bob’s Dairyland originally opened in the mid-1950s as the Roanview Dairyland. The original building, which was opened by Floyd and Sadie Moody, featured walk-up windows where customers would order and receive their hamburgers and fries.
By the early 1960s, Robert “Bob” Burleson, who served as a Tennessee state legislator from 1972 to 1986, purchased the building and changed the name to Bob’s Dairyland. Other owners have included the Buckners and Streets before the Millers acquired the restaurant in 2008, according to deed records.
The building has expanded throughout the years, particularly the addition of a dining room and drive-through window.
The restaurant has been a Roan Mountain staple and its menu has featured buttermilk biscuits, Alaskan Whitefish, barbecue pork, slaw, ice cream and more.
Due to its location close to hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Bob’s Dairyland became a popular spot for outdoorsmen and women. In 2017, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy recognized Bob’s Dairyland for its support of the trail.
“You’ll be missed!” one person commented on Facebook. “Thanks for feeding my family post-hike burgers and shakes all these years.”
Wednesday’s social media post led to hundreds of comments from longtime customers, many thanking the Millers for their service to the community.
