NEWARK — With a modern new sign and a parking lot filled with late-model cars and trucks, Moore’s Dairy Creme in Newark doesn’t reveal its quaint story immediately. Not until you get inside do you realize that the only similarities between a fast-food-chain restaurant and this special place in Newark are the items on the menu.
Instead of colorful playgrounds for kids and Wi-Fi service, Moore’s is decorated with sentimental knickknacks from founder Joann Moore’s kitchen and her business, which has thrived for more than 55 years.
Currently owned by Joann’s son Charles Moore and his wife, Mary, the Dairy Creme was opened in 1955 by the late C.L. and Joann Moore of Newark. The elder Moores renovated one side of their home to serve as a small restaurant. Joann prepared all the meals inher own kitchen, then walked them through to the restaurant side for service.
Their hamburger and hotdog joint took off, later moving into its current location on the main drag in the Independence County town of about 1,200. After marrying in 1977, Charles and Mary took over the business full time and even employed both of their daughters, Melissa and Katie. These days, the grandchildren - Katie, Layton and Jordyn - can be seen “helping” around the family restaurant.
The family has seen numerous changes over the past 30 years. One of the state’s largest coal-fired power plants came to town in the early 1980s, bringing many new jobs and customers. The consolidation and relocation of the high schoolmoved the restaurant’s off-campus lunch crowd away.
“We used to see the kids all the time, and I knew lots of them. Sometimes I have to look a little closer; they grow up onyou,” Mary said.
But the Dairy Creme still has a pool table and a couple of arcade games that entertain some regulars who love the burgers and dogs as well.
“We serve the typical Dairy Bar line - hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, shakes,malts,” Mary said. “We do a few different things, too: Catfish on Thursday, Friday and Saturday is very popular. Pizza Burgers are one of the favorites. Everything is cooked to order, and most of it is prepared from scratch, right here in the kitchen. Our chili dogsare a favorite. We only serve foot-long dogs, and we make our own special chili.”
The ice cream is a big draw and an unusual offering in small communities.
“Many places have gone to a lower-quality, lower-butterfat product,” Charles said. “We still use 4 percent-butterfat icecream mix, the highest quality usable in our equipment. It makes the ice cream richer and creamier in our shakes, malts and sundaes.”
The Moores have tried to keep up with the times when planning their menu as well, adding their version of ice cream mixed with candy pieces, calling the Dairy Creme version “The Twister.”
The Moore family is well known in the community, but not just for the Dairy Creme.Charles’ father, C.L., donated land for the Newark softball program, and Newark showed its thanks when the city dedicated the field years later and renamed it the C.L. MooreMemorial Ball Field. The family also supports school functions, as well as donating to local benefits for needy causes and the annual Newark TNT Festival.
“My parents loved this community and their customers. That’s why they were successful,” Charles said. “That’s what Mary and I have tried to do as well - love our community and love our customers. It has worked this long !”
MOORE’S DAIRY CREME COLESLAW Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage, shredded 1 large carrot, grated 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 cup sugar 1 cup Miracle Whip 1/2 cup milk Directions:
Mix vinegar, sugar and Miracle Whip. Mix with vegetables. Add milk until the slaw is of desired consistency. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
Three Rivers, Pages 47 on 03/29/2012