Make Pearl's Diner your next stop for great food

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Pearl's Diner serves 50's style food 7-days a week from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. on the corner of Hwy. 52 and Pearl Street. From left are owners, Tracy and Mike Dreesman. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)

By Caroline Rosacker

Pearl's Diner, conveniently located at 310 Pearl Street and Hwy. 52 in Guttenberg, is the newest addition to the area's growing business community. 

Open 7 days a week

Pearl's Diner serves fresh food from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. seven days a week. The 50's style diner offers burgers, hotdogs, onion rings, French fries, malts, sundaes, and ice cream treats, which represent only a portion of their expansive menu.  

Meet the owners

Mike and Tracy Dreesman met as teenagers while working together in Tracy's parents' supper club. "I grew up in the restaurant business," Tracy told the Press. "I waited tables and worked in the kitchen and learned to cook at my parents' side." 

Mike, who does most of the cooking at Pearl's Diner, also acquired some of his cooking skills while working at the supper club.

Manifesting a dream

The impetus for Pearl's Diner was created in 2009. At the time, Tracy, a Registered Nurse, was working in the Behavioral Health Department at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She and her co-workers were dreaming about what career they would pursue if they ever left nursing. "I told them I wanted to own a big food diner," Tracy said with a smile. "And I would have big hair and wear big pearls around my neck and call it Pearl's."

From dream to reality

The Dreesmans were part-time residents of Esmann Island for several years before deciding to move here full-time and purchase the former Subway location. "When we saw the restaurant was located on Pearl Street, we knew this was the sign we needed to pursue our dream," they shared. 

Mike, who had worked for Culver's restaurant chain for the past 19 years, 10 of them as area manager, was reluctant to open another restaurant. "He continued to say, 'No,' but he eventually came around," said Tracy. "When we were packing up to move, I found the notebook I wrote my plan for Pearl's Diner on. It was dated October 31, 2009." Grateful for 

family and friends

Tracy's sister and husband, Randy and Tammy Dillavou, who also own Esmann Island property, offered to partner with the Dreesmans to help make their dream a reality. "My younger sister and her husband called in the troops to get us up and running," she said with gratitude. "In the restaurant world, it all happened quite quickly. They have been amazing in all they have done to help make it a success. "   

Location, location

A brand new eye-catching sign will help direct the estimated 5000 cars passing by Pearl's location daily. "We couldn't ask for a better location," Mike pointed out. "We appreciate all the local and area residents that have supported us thus far." 

"A friend of my daughter, who is a freelance graphic design artist, created Pearl's image based on me," Tracy added. "She enjoyed the process and said it was much more fun than what she usually works on." 

The restaurant's cheery interior design and smiling helpful employees make this a great place to eat, work, and gather.  

If you are looking for fresh, food, fast, budget-friendly prices, and amazing service, make Pearl's Diner in Guttenberg your next stop. 

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