Dr. Jeffery Rice opened Depot at DooLittles earlier this year.  His love for trains led him to buy some old passenger cars and he created a locomotive haven.

 

“My wife at one time told me if I bought another caboose I’d be sleeping in it. So I bought two. They have nice beds. She forgave me,” laughed Rice. 

 

Rice did not buy just any old train. He turned a 1950’s Pullman Standard passenger car into a dining car.  It is decorated like a classic diner from the 50’s.  If you like fine dining, you have to check out the 1913 parlor car.

 

“This area has an extremely high history in railroads, both in Dubois, Altoona. The rail industry, really a lot of it begun in Pennsylvania.”  

 

Rice believes preserving the history is not only important, it can be a great tourist attraction, “If you look on top of the car there’s a cable running on top the car, and they ran a telephone cable all the way from Milwaukee to Oregon. So a person could actually make a call while the rail car was moving, which was unique.”

 

From the wooden inlay to the original brass finishing, Rice says he restored everything to it’s original condition with the hope that guests will feel a connection.

 

“We don’t have many people that can remember 1913. They can say, Oh my grand dad probably rode in a car like this,” said Rice.

 

Outside of the restaurants there’s even more to explore. From mini golf and laser tag to a museum and an ice cream parlor there is something to see or do everywhere you turn.

 

“I’ve been told by one person, “boy this is really disorganized!” But they love it! There’s a little of bit of anything for anyone.”

 

Dr. Rice is an oral surgeon who has spent many years also giving back to his community and charity. Revenue from his restaurant also goes to his charitable work.