[Story No. 4] Doumar's Delivers Through the Decades

Babe Ruth was belting home runs in the big leagues, Charlie Chaplin was strolling across the silver screen, and Abe Doumar was making waffle cones. While the historical significance of each man's contributions may have to be debated, let's focus on the local ice cream pioneer.

In 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair, the first waffle cone was poured onto an iron press, and since then millions of cones have been enjoyed.

The Doumar family relocated to Norfolk around 1905 and opened an ice cream stand in the very popular Ocean View beachfront. Today, you'll find the original 1933 structure along Monticello Avenue in Norfolk, across from the Coca-Cola bottling plant.

Growing up in Hampton Roads, every trip to Doumar's was cherished, maybe because it was like taking a step back in time. It starts with the way customer service is performed. If you want to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner -- take note. The first step involves pulling your car into a stall, then turning on your headlights, and then a server magically appears out of the red roofed brick building. A few minutes after placing your order, an overflowing tray arrives with all your drive-in favorites. In an effort to help those who might be visiting for the first time -- here's a helpful guide to ordering:

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO DINING

• Barbeque sandwich -- $2.60
• Cheeseburger "plain" with cheese on both sides -- $2.60
• Limeaide -- $1.20
• Single scoop (well let's be realistic, double scoop) chocolate ice cream cone -- $3.10

While dining al-fresco is preferred, you can't go wrong with parking and heading inside to grab a seat in one of the historic wooden booths. A quick glance to the left when you walk through the front door will reveal the famous waffle press machine. As you find your way to a seat, take notice of memorabilia hung on the walls which tell a Hampton Roads success story spanning over 100 years. In fact, you will be hard pressed to make a visit to Doumar's without overhearing someone say, "remember when..." and pointing to a vintage photograph. Personally, some of my favorite memories growing up involve weekend trips to Doumar's.

Doumar's is open Monday through Saturday -- so if you're craving that late night BBQ sandwich and waffle cone, plan accordingly. Wondering how close you are to you this Hampton Roads landmark? Map your route.

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About the Series: Every week a local business or organization will be featured with the hope to tell their story here on LinkedIn. There are so many great restaurants, coffee shops, and retail venues in Hampton Roads that need a little help getting the word out to the public. The goal is to share a story, that will help people discover something new, whether a Downtown boutique or a beachfront bistro. If you've been to one of the destinations, comment below to share your favorite dish, product, or activity. 

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About The Author: Fred Rose is a digital communication professional with a passion for brand storytelling. After beginning his career with the American Red Cross -- he has since worked with a variety of organizations to establish brand & advertising strategies.

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