I was in Newton on Tuesday night and stopped by the Maid-Rite (Mr. Dan's Sandwich Shop) for a loose meat sandwich with cheese and a bowl of chili. This iconic restaurant has some incredible history that is wonderfully detailed in a Sept. 30, 2021, story in the Newton Daily News.
Dan and Pam Holtkamp were the longtime owners (more than 50 years) of this Newton staple that has been there for nearly 100 years. The newspaper story reported “the shop came into being in 1926, known then as the Maid-Rite Hamburg. Fred Angell was the original founder and owner, who opened two shops, one here in Newton and another in Muscatine. Angell ended up selling the shop to Gus Foster only a few months after its opening, with Foster operating the business until 1937.”
The story goes on to share that, during the 1930s, Angell copyrighted the Maid-Rite name and launched the first restaurant franchise in the Midwest, which was based in Muscatine until 1982 when it was purchased by a group of investors from Des Moines. The Newton restaurant has had several owners from the 1930s through the 1960s, but the food or service haven’t changed much. The Holtkamps became fixtures in the restaurant, but they were ready to sell. After more than 50 years, who wouldn’t be?
Over my sandwich and chili, I visited briefly with Michael Brown. He and his wife, Pam, bought the business recently. Michael was juggling multiple duties that evening but took the time to thank me for my patience during a short wait and expressed his appreciation for my business. As we talked more, he expressed how challenging it has been to find help, although the young man on staff who helped me did a fine job.
On my way out, I looked Michael in the eyes and told him how much I appreciated the great food and that I was glad the restaurant was still here. That comment brough a sparkle to his eyes and a smile on his face. It was a great reminder to me that I need to pay those types of compliments more often, as they do make a difference. I am sure that Michael and Pam — and small business owners everywhere — often wonder what they got themselves into. Like all of us, they need reassurance that they made the right decision.
Before I left, I decided to make another purchase. I couldn’t resist ordering a chocolate malt for the road trip home. The young man behind the counter asked me if I wanted a large or a small. “I better go with a small,” I said. From the other side of the counter, Michael yelled over, “Are you sure? The large ones last longer.”
Yes, they do. Much like Mr. Dan’s Sandwich Shop.
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
