Yum for the Tum!: Archie’s Opens in Bushnell

By: Forgottonia Times™ Report

A familiar corner in Bushnell has a new name and a bold new flavor. In the former Dairy Queen building, now transformed inside and out, Archie’s has opened its second location, offering a cook-to-order twist on fast food staples. Signature smashburgers, horseshoes piled high with toppings, ice cream, and tacos, Archie’s is bringing fresh energy—and fresh food—to the local dining scene.

“We are serving fresh, cook-to-order food,” said owner John Schuttler. “We slow cook our pulled pork and brisket daily overnight for 11 to 12 hours. We make every burger from our fresh, never frozen, unique angus chuck and brisket blend, and every bun is toasted for the order as it comes in.”

The Bushnell location is housed in a fully renovated former Dairy Queen building, a five-month project Schuttler said involved “many months of blood, sweat and tears.” Among those credited with bringing the vision to life are local contractor Lee Ratliff, Andy’s Roofing, Yurkovich Mechanical, G&M Mechanical, and others who helped restore the building’s infrastructure.

Though the original concept was launched in Lewistown by entrepreneur Don Archdale—who has since stepped away—Schuttler has taken the reins with the goal of expanding Archie’s to other small and mid-sized communities. “Shut down restaurants like DQ presented a unique opportunity to bring fresh food and ice cream to these communities,” he said.

Community connection is a central part of Archie’s mission. “We want to be involved with all the school events, sports outings, etc,” Schuttler said. “Being that we are not a corporate restaurant, we want to bring as many new ideas to life that not only satisfy the community, but give them something fun and tasty to look forward to.”

The restaurant’s opening drew a steady crowd, many eager to see how the new business would reconfigure the old. “We are very grateful and fortunate to be in such a welcoming community and to have the support of everyone that has come in and given us a chance,” Schuttler said “We thank them for their patience as we are serving fresh, cook-to-order food.”

Archie’s is open for dine-in, carry-out, and drive-thru service, with a menu that reflects its motto: “Yum for the Tum.”