Even though the doors are officially locked, Barb Tanner, owner of Snack Village, bustles around the diner. It’s been a few days since they served their last meal, but Tanner is still busy cleaning, taking down knickknacks, and arranging for the sale of furnishings and equipment. Despite having a lot to do, she still took a moment to reflect back on 40 years of Snack Village memories.
Tanner explained that she was living in Eagle Grove in her early 20s when a group of people that ran the Villager restaurant there decided to open a Clarion location in an existing building on Central Avenue. It was dubbed “Snack Village.”
The first mention of the Snack Village in the Monitor in April of 1981 described its hours and eats: “Open from 10 a m. to 10 p.m. daily, they offer broasted chicken, sandwiches and short orders, all served on plates. Tacos will be added to the menu soon. Shakes and other beverages are available, as well as coffee which is served in china cups. There is hard ice cream for cones and sundaes.”
Tanner said that from the early days, they were a hopping location. At the time, she explained that there weren’t too many places in Clarion that offered fast food. She also recalls that items were less expensive back then. She remembers when they offered a special of four burgers for only a dollar!
Over the years, some things at Snack Village changed. Tanner eventually bought out the restaurant and became the owner. Hours and the days they were opened fluctuated a bit. But much stayed the same as well. People loved their burgers and ice cream, and their Mexican food specials were continually a draw.
Snack Village also became a meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. Tanner said a group of local farmers became some of her most loyal customers. Rain, shine or snow, they came for lunch, gathering and gossip or picked up meals to go when they were in the fields. Tanner has also employed dozens of people through the years. At one point, she remembers upwards of twenty employees at a time working for her.
Tanner said the best part of her Snack Village adventure has been meeting people from both near and far. She also has enjoyed watching the local kids who used to come to eat there years ago now bringing their own children in.
Now, after 40 years, Barb said she was finally ready to close the doors for the last time. They closed for good on April 30.
The Heartland Museum has now acquired the property. Melody Lager, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors, said, “We want to thank the landowner and Barb for the generous donation [of the property and the building], and Barb for feeding our visitors and volunteers! She will be missed.” The museum said they eventually plan to take the building down and use the area for parking or perhaps to display a tractor or two.
Over the last few weeks on social media, many shared their memories of Snack Village and wished the owner well. One person said, “I remember all the good times at Snack Village, eating there and also working with you. Have fun and enjoy your time off, you earned it.” Another added, “It is amazing that this business under the same management, serving ice cream and delicious food, served our community for 40 years! That is quite a legacy Barb! Good luck as you begin a new chapter in your life!”
As she rides off into the sunset, Tanner said the last forty years have flown by. She’ll miss the people she has met over the years, but she is looking forward to relaxing this summer, enjoying her weekends and operating on her own schedule. “Thank you to the community and all my former employees for making this place successful. I am ready to go now,” Tanner concluded.
