Duluth's A + Dubs Seasonal Drive-In Reopens Under New Owners

A seasonal favorite among many locals and visitors in the Duluth area has opened again after being closed for a few years.

The drive-in style restaurant A & Dubs in West Duluth was last open for the 2023 summer season, remaining closed in 2024 and 2025 while one of the long-time owners dealt with a cancer battle.

Originally opening as an A&W in the 1950s, the business decided to break away from the franchise and create what became A & Dubs in the 1970s. The restaurant has maintained a loyal following of fans over the years, showing up each summer for the eatery's iconic burgers, onion rings, and other foods.

The restaurant hit the market in 2024, with the long-time owners, Syl and Sandy Hantz, hoping to find someone to take on the decades-long legacy of the Duluth drive-in.

I, along with many others, was excited to hear this spring that new owners were taking over A & Dubs, with plans to open the restaurant for the 2026 season after the restaurant had been closed for the last couple of years.

Mike Koralia and Ryan Spears, "with the help and support of Syl and Sandy", took over ownership this spring, which was announced in March. Since the announcement, the new owners have been doing work to revamp the space and hire & train staff for the 2026 season.

Over the weekend, the wait finally ended! The eatery shared on social media that they "quietly opened the doors" to allow staff to "get their feet under them".

While there have been a few small tweaks, the owners say the menu is "very much the same" as it has been over the years, which includes the same burgers, sauces, fries, and onion rings.

The combination of a mostly brand-new staff and a new point of sale system was the reason the new owners say they held the soft opening on Saturday. Despite the soft opening, word got out, and they had to close early due to running out of supplies. The owners have been very open and transparent on social media, apologizing for the early closing and thanking fans for their patience.

Fans have been overwhelmingly understanding, sharing on social media well-wishes for the new owners and excitement about being able to enjoy A & Dubs' food once again.

Get our free mobile app

I completely agree with these sentiments. With as much newness as there is, there are bound to be a couple of bumps along the way. Thankfully, most people have been understanding of this.

The owners say they plan to be open for this season until at least October 1, depending on what the fall's weather does.

If you're looking to get some eats at the freshly reopened A & Dubs, they are open for the summer season from 10:30 am until 8 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, closed Sundays and Mondays.