Beloved rootbeer stand owners leave legacy to help children
Press Release
October 25, 2006
Former R-Tic owners make bequest to benefit Rochester Ronald McDonald
& Gift of Life Houses
Although they never had children of their own, Benedict and Eloise
Dresbach were beloved by Rochester youths for 31 years as the owners
of Rochester’s favorite teen hangout, the R-Tic Rootbeer Stand. The
couple sold the business in 1978 and then Ben passed away in 1986,
followed more recently by Eloise in 2005.
Even after their deaths, however, the couple continues to bring joy
to the lives of young people, this time in the form of a $387,000
endowment with the Rochester Area Foundation to benefit children
at the Rochester Ronald McDonald and Gift of Life Houses. The gift
will be used to help needy children at either house while receiving
treatment at Mayo Clinic.
Native Minnesotans, the Dresbachs owned the R-Tic Rootbeer Stand,
also known as “Benny’s,” from 1947 to 1978. The drive-in was located
at 24 Sixth St. SW and was famous for its car-hops, “Mexi” burgers,
and caring owners, who’d drive their teenage employees home after
work each night. Teens for several generations adored and confided
in the Dresbachs, who believed that if you treated teenagers with
respect, they would, in turn, give you respect.
"The Dresbachs spent the majority of their lives serving kids
and loved every minute of it," says Rochester Area Foundation
Executive Director Steve Thornton. "With their generous gift,
children receiving care at the Ronald McDonald and Gift of Life
Homes will continue to benefit from their warmth and kindness."
