Restoring the Cherry Bowl: Mindi Jarman's Journey to Revitalize a Historic Drive-In

In 2019, Mindi Jarman would have seemed the last person to one day own the last remaining drive-in movie theater in northern Michigan. She’d never even been to one.

Now she’s the proud owner of the 73-year-old Cherry Bowl drive-in along U.S. 31 in the village of Honor, southwest of Traverse City, and working on plans to restore and update the landmark in her second season of ownership.

Initially, they had to replace some of the poles with lights on top that hold the speakers that hook onto the cars. Beyond that, they did some basic fix-up and clean-up, touch-up painting and bulb replacement, with big projects scheduled for the next few years.

Work involves balancing the retro charm of old equipment while catering to those who want crystal clear sound. Besides the classic speakers, the drive-in offers broadcast sound over FM radio, and rents portable radios for those who want them.

The drive-in opened up last April and is set to stay open until late fall.

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