It’s hard to believe what Dubuque knows as an ideal place to grab a burger and fries could once have acted as the setting for Saturday Night Fever. What Dubuquers now know as the Dubuque Mining Company began as the disco Apartment 5A. After three years and the end of disco on the horizon, Steve Ankeny founded the Mining Company, putting the famous burger counter into existence. Now, with well over two million burgers served, it’s safe to say disco has died, but the burger business is still good.
Guy Parkin is now the owner of the Mining Company, where he began serving delicious food in 1987. Steve Ankeny, the founder, sold the business to his long-time manager Cindy, who started near the beginning in 1979. According to Guy, Cindy did a lot to help elevate the business during her time there. In 2008, he bought half the business from Cindy, and in 2018, he became the sole owner after buying out his former business partner.
Longevity in the restaurant business is not common, but Parkin attributes this to being able to keep the same location for so many years. This consistency provides customers with a certain security, as they know what to expect from the iconic business that has proved the test of time staying locally owned and delicious for so many years.
The Dubuque Mining Company is unique in that customers can come to enjoy a good meal and then continue their time visiting the Kennedy Mall. Parkin says the mall may bring some customers in, but to him it seems most people come to eat first and then may decide to shop. According to Parkin, having customers that frequent the dining spot has created great relationships through the years, and the long-term employees are another key, helping the business thrive for over forty-eight years. One thing Guy noted was the great young employees he has that come in to continue the tradition that has been started.
Everyone is welcome at the Mining Company, which displays its many accolades. Parkin says the restaurant is most proud of winning Hospice of Dubuque’s Best Fest numerous times in the categories of Best Place for Burgers and Best Long Island Iced Teas.
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