The Mirror Newspapers Reflecting Life Along The Maumee River
BY MIKE McCARTHY | MIRROR EDITOR — JD’s Drive Thru is now operating under new ownership, but loyal customers can relax because there are no changes planned for the popular Maumee convenience store, located at 341 Illinois Ave., across from the Maumee fire station.
David Hammack purchased the store from longtime owners Jack and John Dubler earlier this month, and his son, Caleb Hammack, will be the full-time operator of the store.
Jack and John Dubler are a father-and-son team who had been working together for 22 years. The store was founded and built by Jack, the father, and his business partner back in 1984. John, the son, became Jack’s partner in 1990, when the original partner sold his share of the business.
“We’re really excited that the store belongs to Caleb and his dad,” said John. “They are a father-and-son team, too, and they are local. We wish them all the luck in the world.”
John shared that he and his father have been told by customers that JD’s Drive Thru had become a staple in Maumee. “We are hoping that they become a staple in Maumee, too,” John added.
Caleb has always wanted to work in the retail business, and he looks forward to working with the longtime customers who regularly frequent the drive-thru store and purchase a variety of items, including beer, wine, soft drinks, milk, bread and lottery tickets.
Caleb lived in Maumee for most of his childhood and has been a resident of Waterville for the past six years, so he has been familiar with JD’s Drive Thru throughout his lifetime.
Caleb plans no changes to the operation, figuring if it isn’t broke, there is no need to fix it. “The goal is to keep everything the same, to keep the same system in place that the customers are used to and to keep them happy,” said Caleb with a smile.
He has retained Cassie and Spring, two popular and reliable employees who have worked at JD’s for the past few years, and has added Nash, a longtime friend, to bolster the staff. Caleb also plans to work at the store full time.
Hours will remain the same, too. The store will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will be closed on Sundays.
