For decades Jesse’s Drive-in has been a destination for tourists and natives alike in Mineral Wells, TX, which is an accomplishment for any business. Jesse’s is known for many things, such as their onion rings, special sauces, but most of all, their hospitality. Over the years, Jesse’s Drive-In has been run by two memorable couples, Jesse and Sandra Gonzales, along with Curtis and Beth Henderson.
Jesse Gonzales moved from Mexico to Texas, with his parents when he was just six years old. He learned his work ethic from his father who worked for a construction company in Mineral Wells. As a young adult he working in the Baker hotel under a chef named Gilbert Valdez. It was there that Jesse gained a love for culinary arts and hospitality. Also, this is also where he met his beloved wife Sandra.
Sandra Gonzales was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She moved here in 1955 when her father was stationed at Fort Walters military base. As a young lady, Sandra worked at the Baker Hotel as an elevator operator and a beauty consultant for Hilley’s pharmacy which she did until she decided to get her degree in special education. After being a teacher for Mineral Wells ISD, she worked alongside Jesse at the drive-in in 1985. She created a signature sauce for the menu. Jesse and Sandra ran the business together with family and friends as a mom and pop diner until they decided to retire.
It was very important for both Jesse and Sandra to connect with every customer in the restaurant. Sandra says, “The most fun to me was being with the people. I enjoy people. I enjoy the conversation.”
Jesse had a very similar outlook to running the business. He says, “I’m the same way. I enjoy being around people, talking to them, making friends, and watching their kids grow up.”
Beth and Curtis Henderson were born entrepreneurs. They were born into families’ businesses. Curtis’s father was the Schlitz beer man, and Beth’s father owned the Pizza Inn in Mineral Wells. The two actually met while Beth was working for her father at the Pizza Inn. After three short months of dating, they were married in 1982. The couple spent their first thirteen years of marriage working their own businesses. The duo didn’t just own one business. They owned several. Beth and Cutis created quite an impressive resume. Beth states, “We did restaurants. We owned a pizza Oasis. We had a little hamburger place-shaped like a hamburger in Odessa, called Joe Joe’s drive-in. We also had a convenience store. We just did a lot.”
Eventually, the couple decided to come home to Mineral Wells to be with family. Beth still wanted to pursue a career as an educator. She exclaims her work history with pride, “I’ve been a teacher, I’ve been a principal, and I’ve retired as a librarian.” Curtis focused his time back home on being a devoted family man. But almost directly after retiring, the couple decided to get back into the game again.
Beth knew from the start she wanted to stay here in this community, “…we wanted to do something here in Mineral Wells because Minerals Wells is a great place. And we talked with Jesse over the years, and so we approached him and said, “Hey, would you be interested in selling? And so we bought the place.” Even though Beth worked in education for twenty-four years, she still gets to see her students regularly through running the drive-in. She states, “what’s really neat is that I see my kids. I see their parents, and I see their families…”
It was a welcomed adjustment for Jesse and Sandra to sell the business. But in truth, Jesse admits some things will always be missed. “We miss all our employees, our customers, and just the everyday routine. We were just used to it, but I knew we were ready to retire and slow down.”
Sandra Gonzales expresses she is happy to see all the people she misses in the community, “…we miss you guys so much. Yeah, we miss our customers, but we do see them. When we’re at Walmart, so it’s a good thing.”
The Henderson’s are very proud to take over Jesse’s Drive-In and continue their traditions. They spent about two weeks with the Gonzalas learning the business before taking over. After the Henderson’s took over, they chose to show their appreciation to the Gonzales’s by throwing them a retirement reception. Beth Henderson notes that since running the business, they have been a town favorite from the start. “I mean, this business was good, but I mean like overnight. It just was amazing. We’ve been blessed beyond measure.”
Over time, both owners of Jesse’s Drive-In have added their own finishing touches to the location. But hospitality has always remained excellent for each customer who walks through its doors. Curtis is very honored to be apart of this community and is thrilled for its future. Curtis Henderson affirms his thoughts about the community’s future. “I like to see the growth that we have and the energy that’s building in Mineral Wells.”
Curtis Henderson sees the growth benefiting all who encounter Mineral Wells, not just their business,“…[in Mineral Wells, there is] more to offer people, allowing us to meet more people, and I’m really excited about that because I have lived in Mineral Wells through a real long stretch where it didn’t do so, and it’s hard. It’s hard for a community to grow. For it to reach this level, I’m impressed. I’m happy with it.”
It was a pleasure talking to the past and current owners of Jesse’s Drive-In. To find out about their specials, see the hours of operation or the location, please visit their Facebook page.
Writer | I graduated from Weatherford College with an Associates in Art, focusing on history, creative writings, sociology, and humanities. Experience in child development, client care, and runs local Spoken Word Poetry group for young teens.
