By Katie MacBride, Editor-in-Chief

John’s Drive-In: the historic little beach road restaurant that has been filling up the community and visitors alike with its famous boats and milkshakes since 1977. But this year, this little Outer Banks treasure has a new pair of owners to continue the legacy.

John’s Drive-In was founded by John M. Tice Sr. and his wife Pat, and was later taken over by their son, John Jr., in 2007 when the elder Tice passed away. The son continued the family tradition and ran John’s until July 15, when the paperwork was finalized, transitioning ownership from the Tice family to new owners Chelsea and Jason Jordan.

Both Chelsea and Jason grew up coming to John’s as kids themselves, and were ecstatic and honored to be given the opportunity to continue the famous, must-stop place that John’s is known to be.

“Our family has known the Tice family for many years and over the winter we ran into John, and his potential for upcoming retirement came up,” Jason said when asked how the ownership transition began. “It was an opportunity that we just couldn’t pass up.” 

Chelsea agreed: “It felt like an opportunity we couldn’t turn down and it was very exciting. Jason is so talented, not only in the kitchen, but with the operations of a restaurant business. It really felt like the perfect fit.”

The transition of ownership began back in February, but was complicated by coronavirus and some of the COVID-19 regulations small businesses had to endure.

“That was a curveball for sure. There was a lot of logistical work behind the scenes that had to come together to make it possible,” Chelsea explained. “We were so happy that when the time came in early summer we were able to get in, work with John and the staff, and learn the ropes before taking over July 15th.”

Even after the transition, both Chelsea and Jordan have continued to work with and alongside the staff in John’s while still keeping their previous jobs. They also own a catering company, Scratch Kitchen & Catering. 

“Time management is huge for being able to stay focused on John’s and Scratch,” Jason said. “I spend a lot of late nights and early mornings in the kitchen to keep up with prep work for both. Our family is also a huge support, either by helping out or taking our dog, Fitzgerald, for the day so we can both work late.”

Chelsea also sells real estate full time with Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty. 

“It takes a lot of time management, planning ahead and planning for the unexpected. In both real estate and the restaurant world, things can pop up at a moment’s notice,” Chelsea said. “Thankfully, Jason is super understanding and is always willing to step up so I can take care of whatever is needed. He’s the glue that holds our businesses and family together!”

The new owners also plan to be the glue that keeps the iconic landmark so popular with old-timers and new customers. Jason said John’s might get extended evening hours and also will remain open later in the fall before reopening earlier in the spring.

In the kitchen, he is transitioning to making more food from scratch and hopes to add fall favorites like soups and sandwiches to the menu, plus some holiday treats.  

The new owners have no plans, however, to take away from the “John’s Drive-In charm,” as Jason put it, that has drawn them and so many others to the historic little beach road restaurant for boats and milkshakes for the last 44 years.

“My hope is that John’s continues to be such an important part of so many people’s vacation memories and for our locals to be able to enjoy it more in the off-season,” Chelsea said. “Our hope is that any changes we end up making only add to the legacy and make our family, the Tice family and all of our patrons proud!”

Got any favorite John’s memories through the years? Type them in the comments below!

Senior Katie MacBride can be reached at 21macbrideka62@daretolearn.org.