Jackson drive-in must remodel after Tuesday night crash

Wib's Drive-In has been forced to remodel for the first time since 1978 after being hit by some kind of vehicle Tuesday night.

"I guess I look at it as an opportunity to make Wib's even better," said Judy Hoffman, who co-owns the Jackson restaurant with her husband, A.D.

When A.D. Hoffman left Wib's Drive-In at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, his restaurant was intact. When he returned an hour later with his son to finish closing up, they found a wall had been hit near the main entrance.

"It was kind of a shock," he said.

Neither he nor his son noticed the exterior damage upon arrival. "It was dark; the lights were all off." Hoffman said.

Inside, Hoffman's son noticed one of the tables had been knocked away from the wall into the center of the dining area. Wood wall panels were bowed out on the inside wall.

On the outside, the concrete wall had large cracks. The windows were not broken, but the Hoffmans were told the windows could break if builders tried to relieve pressure on the bowed wall. The front door of the restaurant will not open.

Hoffman did not find broken headlights or a detached bumper; he only saw blue chips of paint on the wall.

"That was the odd part," he said.

Hoffman also said there were no skid marks indicating the vehicle's approach to the restaurant, only marks indicating it left.

Hoffman called the police after he saw the damage. Lt. Rodney Barnes of the Jackson Police Department was unavailable for comment Friday, but Hoffman said he had heard of no leads.

A contractor and an insurance adjuster the Hoffmans contacted estimated the initial cost of the damage between $25,000 and $26,000. However, the cost may increase if other damage is discovered. The roof and the two adjoining walls may have been affected, but the contractor and adjuster cannot determine that yet. In the short term, the Hoffmans will install a temporary wall.

The insurance company will cover most of the repairs. The Hoffmans will only be responsible for a $250 deductible.

"I've got that to be thankful for," A.D. Hoffman said. "I'd hate to be sitting there with no insurance."

Since the kitchen at Wib's Drive-In was not affected by the crash, the restaurant can stay open for takeout but won't offer dining in for the time being.

Both Hoffmans were concerned about the success of their business in the wake of the crash.

"We have noticed people driving by and leaving," Judy Hoffman said. "It'd be nice if people know we're still open, help keep us in business during this time."

Employees have also been affected by the crash because the Hoffmans had to modify employee schedules, Judy Hoffman said. Instead of having six to eight people, the drive-in will have four to six people work regularly.

tthomas@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 197

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