In 1960, grocery store manager Fred Eoff drove past an empty lot on the corner of East Division Street in downtown Arlington and just knew the location was perfect for a restaurant. Although he had no experience in the industry, Fred and his wife Loreta took a leap of faith and purchased the property. With help from his brother Jim, Fred also tackled construction of the building and on April 10, 1961, the Fountain Drive-In opened to the public.

The casual restaurant incorporated a new-fangled idea: a drive-through window for orders to go, the only one of its kind north of Everett at the time.

Fifty years later, the Fountain Drive-In is still a family-owned enterprise with Winona Eoff at the helm and a staff that includes at least seven family members.

"I started working here when I was 11," recalled Winona Eoff, "and started managing the place in 1974 after I graduated from high school."

The restaurant's menu hasn't changed much over the years either: big, juicy burgers, freshly sliced French fries and milk shakes made with real ice cream. Everything on the menu is cooked to order.

Customers appreciate the consistency and quality at the Fountain, which is why the restaurant has survived throughout the years - even through some devastating events.

In 1974, the grill cook was startled by a huge rolling ball of fire that exploded over the grill. Guests in the restaurant saw flames shooting out of the suspended heaters, and everyone immediately ran outside. Minutes later, the restaurant "exploded," Eoff remembers, the result of a customer running over and rupturing a gas meter in the parking lot.

"Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but the building was nearly destroyed," she said.

The family rebuilt and kept going. A few years later, a 1987 remodel included the addition of a solarium dining area, enlargement of the kitchen and a location change for the drive-through window.

The Fountain Drive-In offers work experience for young people in town, often providing a teen's first job.

"I feel like I've raised half the girls in this town," said Eoff with a laugh. "This used to be a common hangout for kids too, before the high school was moved out of town. Now it's more of a family place, a community hangout."

To celebrate the restaurant's 50th anniversary, customers at the Fountain Drive-In were treated to free birthday cake and specials throughout the week.

"We'll just keep going," said Eoff. "We're so grateful for the community's support, and for all our repeat customers."