Free delivery service offered to downtown businesses during the weekday lunch period

by Loni Rahm, LCN file photos

There are many harbingers of the coming of fall. Friday night lights at the football fields in Chelan and Manson. Apple laden trucks lumbering towards the packing sheds. Colorful leaves clinging to their branches before fluttering down to the ground. And the traditional seasonal closure of the Lakeview Drive In.

But this year, things are a bit different. Lakeview owner Amy Mack has decided to extend the season of the popular drive in this year. And judging by the steady stream of cars in and out of the parking lot, the decision is paying off.

What’s the motivation to stay open late into October? “To be able to give out a few more paychecks to the team, and to make a few more burgers and fries for the local residents and visitors,” said Amy.

LCN asked Amy what circumstances led to her decision to extend the season this year.

Amy indicated it wasn’t a spontaneous decision. “I always hear that folks wish we would stay open longer, and this year I’ve got a great crew that wants to work! They actually asked me if I would consider it, and so we are going to give it a go. Most of the time, it’s a struggle to have enough staff to stay operational after school is back in session, but I am lucky enough this year to not have that issue, “stated Amy.

There was another determining factor. “We also have been wanting to offer more to the downtown community during the slower times, when we have the ability,” she said. The Lakeview team is offering free delivery on their electric bike to downtown businesses and offices for the weekday lunch period. “Since we aren’t using the bike this time of year to deliver to our Outpost in Don Morse Park, we decided to “shift gears” and keep it in service this fall,” Amy stated.

Owner Amy Mack (LCN file photo)

For now, the Lakeview is committed to staying open through October 26th, and if it makes sense to continue from there, they make go even longer. “So it’s experimental,” stated Amy. “We are hoping to see just enough business to make it worth our time and effort.”

During this experiment, the Lakeview Drive In is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Downtown delivery (businesses/offices only) is available from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Amy wanted to give a huge shout out to the crew who are making this seasonal extension possible. “I’m very lucky to have such a high staff retention year after year. There are some really great friendships that have happened amongst my crew, and they are highly motivated to keep the Lakeview operating and upholding the legacy,” she said. “They keep each other accountable, which is really cool to see,” Amy continued. “I even had one staff member make a Minecraft version of the Lakeview (thanks Alex!).

“I am so grateful for my team!”

For updates on hours and operations, and to place an order online, visit the Lakeview Drive In website.