Two women keep The Viking alive in Sprague

SPRAGUE – Two local women have combined their efforts over the last five years to keep a restaurant open in the wake of COVID shutdown mandates and challenges finding employees.

Sheila Martin and sister-in-law Linda Johnston took over The Viking Drive-In in 2019, following the death of Martin's husband, Gary Martin. You can find them at the 209 E. Fourth St. restaurant daily. Sister Barb Shafer also helps with the business.

The biggest challenge since the end of the pandemic shutdowns, according to Martin and Johnston, is finding and keeping good help willing to work regularly and do a good job.

Because of their ages, the ladies said they have cut back restaurant hours in recent years, noting they don't want to work breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts in addition to managing finances, ordering and running after supplies.

Linda and Sheila look forward to greeting patrons – new and old.

The Viking has been owned by the family since it was purchased Sept. 1, 1979, but Gary Martin and his mother, Myrtle Glinski (she passed away in 2017).

Gary Martin had been working in the trucking industry, but moved to Sprague with his mom to manage and run the restaurant.

The drive-in was built alongside the highway, and billed itself as the "Home of the Famous Viking Burger," named for the Sprague School mascot.

At one time, The Viking had a drive-through window, which has since been eliminated.

The eatery quickly became a favorite stop for travelers before and after Interstate 90 was built.

Over the last 44 years, Sheila Martin and Linda Johnston said they have sold thousands and thousands of Viking Burgers – which feature double meat, double cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato.

When Gary Martin was at the helm, he made a breakfast that enticed travelers to stop in, as well.

Even though the restaurant has cut back hours to survive, it still offers a full dinner menu – even bringing liver and onions back into style.

The Viking has also become known for its giant, hand-dipped shakes in 12 flavors, which can be combined on special orders. Local patrons suggest trying a blend of chocolate and peanut butter or cherry and banana.

The restaurant remains open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. During warm-weather months, it is also a favorite stop for disc dog competitions. It's also a must-visit for tourists coming to town for Sprague Days, the Community Wide Yard Sales and more.

Linda and Sheila said they don't have a webpage and rely on the Sprague Chamber of Commerce's events to bring more customers to town.