Opened back in 2009, Rides has become a major figure in the Fort Dodge community and has established itself as one of Fort Dodge’s highest regarded businesses, having won several People’s Choice awards throughout its 15 years in business.

Corey Lombard, Rides Bar and Grill owner and operator, said that 15 years is just the beginning.

“Life is just about like a ride,” he said. “It’s all about an adventure.”

“I had gotten laid off from my job and decided to start my own business and go into this venture as Rides,” he added. “I wanted to make a place where people can have a good time and enjoy themselves. Come out and have some good food and drinks. Meet other people that are into the same thing. Whether you’re into hot rods or bikes, it’s all about the ride. I just went for it, tried it out. And here I am, 15 years later. Time is just flying, I plan on being here forever.”

-Messenger photo by Brandon Brueschke
The Rides sign is shown on the exterior of the building.

In the past 15 years, Rides Bar and Grill, 723 S. 31st St., has opened its banquet center next door and hosted a myriad of public and private events. This has allowed Rides to become even more of a fixture of the community.

“It feels really good to help give back.” said Lombard ” A lot of times I’ve donated or set up the banquet center to help people that have suffered from bad illnesses like cancer or kids that needed help raising funds for an issue and have a benefit. For ABATE, they might have their toy run here and raise money to help needy kids and the Webster County and surrounding areas. It feels good to give back to the community and it feels good to be known in town, you know.”

Restaurants and bars are notoriously difficult to run. When speaking on any advice he would give to anyone looking to start up a business, Lombard said “You gotta work hard, you have to take care of your customers and have good quality food all the time. You have to have good quality service to keep people coming back and make them feel that the place is friendly and very welcoming.”

Another aspect to a well-run business is the team that helps keep the operation going.

“It’s a team thing here.” Lombard said ” You know, I like to treat them like family. They take care of me and I take care of them. I do have some longevity of employees that have been here a long time. That’s one thing I believe in, is taking care of the people that take care of you, to keep the place running.”

-Messenger photo by Brandon Brueschke
The signature Goldwing burger with fries is shown.

When it comes to the Rides menu, it is filled with burgers and other bar foods that share their names with cars and car parts. When speaking with Lombard about his favorite item on the menu, he said “One of my favorite burgers is the Gold Wing. Out of all of them, I could eat the peanut butter burger over and over. It’s a great burger. It’s a combination of peanut butter toast and cheeseburger. I like having good food. It’s fresh and consistent, where you always come to Rides, and you know you’re always going to get a great burger.”

When asked about Rides legacy, Lombard said “I just want to be known as a friendly, good, down to earth, hometown place. Where you can come out and meet people, have good food, and visit with other people. No matter what you’re into, you can have a good time and know you have nothing to worry about here, because everybody is like friends and family.”