Big Mike's continues the Austin tradition

Customers are greeted by new faces, Mike and Vickie Ingalls at Big Mike's in Austin. Formerly Stuckey's Dairy Dine, the business has, for the most part, stayed the same.

Mike Ingalls had always wanted to own his own business. He looked into everything from buying a farm to acquiring milk trucks, but finally landed on a winner in Austin.

Ingalls and his wife, Vickie, found the listing for Stuckey's Dairy Dine on the internet and decided roll the dice.

The transfer happened the first of November, with no changes to service or the menu. The only visible change is the big sign outside, identifying the Austin landmark as "Big Mike's Dairy Dine."

Some other changes have come with the new ownership, including a walk-in cooler and daily lunch specials. The tanning beds that operated under the previous management had been removed to make more room for food items.

"We've pretty much kept everything the same," Ingalls said.

Although he's a resident of Roulette, Ingalls understands the needs of the Austin residents for items on his shelves. He said they try to keep items on the shelves, and when customers ask for something new they try to get it in.

Ingalls said the response has been really good. Big Mike's is open from 6 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday, and 7 am to 10 pm Sundays during the summer.