The Point Drive In won the second annual North Judson Business Pitch competition Saturday night in a Starke Tank-themed event at the North Judson-San Pierre High School.
Cheryl Smith and her husband purchased the business in 2020 and they have plans to return the business into the premiere destination for ice cream cones, cheeseburgers, and cruise-ins as they bring back the history for all generations to enjoy.
According to information released by the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, in a presentation to the audience and judges Saturday night, Cheryl Smith and her granddaughter, Daisy Valdez, who manages the restaurant, discussed newly completed improvements. An expanded menu is among those improvements, along with locally sourced beef and produce, Hersheys ice cream, and restoration of the iconic two-scoop ice cream cone landmark.
As winners of the competition, they will use the top prize of $8,000 in order to add an ice cream machine, create more kitchen space, and repave the parking lot.
The runner-up prize went to the family-owned event venue Five Buds Farm.
Other participants included Papa Farm Pizza, and Loving Laughter and Goofy Giggles Daycare.
Judges were Megan Block of First Choice Insurance, Matt Brewer from the North Judson Town Council, and Sandy Kersting Rudd of Kersting’s Cycle Center.
Photo provided by the Starke County Economic Development Foundation.
