Aug. 22, 2019

The iconic Bob’s Cafe sign is being taken down this morning on West 12th Street by its new owner.

Shane Sutherland of The “Hillbilly’s” Repurpose Project Center and a partner bought the sign from Dale Dachtler, who purchased the former restaurant property on West 12th Street earlier this year.

In a social media post this morning from the site, Sutherland assured viewers that the sign would remain in Sioux Falls.

“If you were worried about the historic sign of Bob’s chicken, it is being reclaimed here locally, it’s not going to Indiana.”

The sign is being taken down in pieces.

“If you’re looking for big old beautiful pieces of neon from Sioux Falls, let me know,” said Sutherland, whose mom worked at the cafe years ago back when waitresses used roller skates to deliver food to customers in their cars.

He would prefer to sell all the pieces together but said he would consider selling them individually if necessary.

As for the future of the building, Dachtler is planning to open a video lottery casino. The City Planning Commission will hear his request for a conditional use permit at its September meeting.

Dachtler met with neighbors to hear their concerns and said he is planning to build a wall on the north side of the property to help protect homes below.