Despite the difficulty of competing with major national chain fast food restaurants, two of which are just feet away, Mr. Happy Burger in Logansport remains popular among locals and tourists to the area as well.

Bob Shanks, owner, Mr. Happy Burger

Owner Bob Shanks opened Mr. Happy Burger in November 1961, and at that time you could get a burger, fries and a milkshake for 45 cents. He said he almost called it Mr. Lucky Burger, but since he didn’t believe in luck he decided to go with “happy” instead. Since then, the menu has expanded considerably and so has the business.

Throughout all the change, however, Bob Shanks has remained a constant. Customers are fans not just of the food but of the owner himself, who spreads positivity and greets everyone who comes in. Patrons feel the place has a personal feel the big chains just don’t.

The restaurant has been so successful it has been inducted into the Indiana Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. A cow statue out front attracts fans as well, some of which have their picture taken with it.

It seems to be more than serving local corn-fed beef or investing in the community which makes the business successful. Bob Shanks represents what the community and Cass county are all about. But he says his most successful business deal was really marrying his wife, Shirley. They’ve been “happy” together for 62 years.

Source: WTHR