DES MOINES – It is one of the sure signs that spring is upon us. Snookie’s Malt Shop opened up for the season on Saturday.
No one camped out overnight to get the first bite this year, but guests started filing up to the window before the opening at 11 a.m.
The team went right to work, putting together sundaes, shakes and other summer-time specialties. This year, the shop is accepting credit cards for the first time. It’s one of the changes under the new owners, but the spirit of the shop is unchanged.
“Over the years, I’ve been helping them with maintenance,” said Jim Hunter, the new co-owner. “I have a background in mechanics and I was a commercial service manager at Maytag for over 40 years, and I thought I had retired. “
Snookie’s is open seven days a week. The owners say they’re not sure when they’ll close down for the season, but hope it’ll be around Halloween. That way they can try out some fall features.