JANUARY 2017
JJ
LOCAL FLAVOR
by Heather Hutchinson-Schuster
JANUARY 2017
BREITBACH ’ S
COUNTRY DINING
MIKE BREITBACH CONTRIBUTED BY PHIL ROBERTS , CREATIVE ENTERPRISES .
A
beautiful winter drive along the Great River Road , through rolling hills with breathtaking views , will lead you to Breitbach ’ s Country Dining in Balltown , IA . The restaurant is rich with a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation . The story of Breitbach ’ s began in 1852 when Iowa ’ s oldest food and drinking establishment was opened by a federal permit that was issued by President Millard Fillmore . Jacob Breitbach , the current owner ’ s great-great grandfather , worked at the tavern and purchased it in 1862 . Mike Breitbach , the current owner of the historic establishment , marks the sixth generation of family ownership . Mike started his 60-year career of working at the restaurant at the age of seven . He and his wife , Cindy , have been married for 40 years and they pride themselves on maintaining an atmosphere that is unlike any other restaurant .
Julien ’ s Journal ❖ 41