BELLE — A longtime Belle restaurant has entered another chapter while its new owners say they intend to preserve the traditions that have made the business a community fixture for generations.

The Belle Community Betterment Association (BCBA) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Aug. 3, to welcome Joey and Anita Ridenhour as the new owners of A Tastee Treats, LLC.

The Ridenhours assumed ownership of the restaurant June 3. Lifetime Belle resident Brandi Crider-Sullinger remains manager and continues to oversee the restaurant’s day-to-day operations.

Together, the new owners and management plan to maintain the familiar atmosphere and menu that have made the local eatery a longtime gathering place in the community.

Located on South Alvarado Avenue in downtown Belle, the restaurant dates back more than 70 years.

The small building was constructed in 1952 by Meb and Ada Lansford and quickly became a popular stop for local residents.

Among the restaurant’s traditions is its well-known hamburger seasoning, developed by former owners Cecil and Darlene Abel. The recipe has remained closely guarded over the years and continues to be used on the restaurant’s hamburgers.

For generations of Belle residents, A Tastee Treats has long been associated with summertime, ballgames, family outings and trips for ice cream. Families have gathered around its picnic tables while generations of children have stopped by for hamburgers, fries, milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream.

The restaurant has also played another role in the community by providing the first jobs for many local teenagers.

Over the years, young employees have worked behind the service window taking orders, preparing food and serving customers while gaining experience in responsibility, teamwork and customer service.

Its menu continues to resemble that of a traditional American drive-in, offering fresh hamburgers, fries, onion chips, milkshakes, hand-dipped ice cream and other longtime favorites.

While the restaurant has changed hands over the decades, many of the traditions surrounding it have remained.

A Tastee Treats has served generations of Belle High School students, families attending the Belle Community Fair and local baseball players celebrating victories. It has also become a place where grandparents bring grandchildren and longtime friends meet for lunch.

BCBA congratulated Joey and Anita Ridenhour on their purchase of the restaurant and thanked them for investing in the longtime Belle business.

With new ownership in place and Crider-Sullinger continuing to manage daily operations, A Tastee Treats is expected to continue serving many of the same customers and families who have made the restaurant part of their traditions for decades.

A Tastee Treats is open from 1 to 7 p.m. Sundays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Orders may be placed by calling (573) 859-6640 or at the restaurant’s walk-up window.