In 2001 Todd and Arlys Hilbrandes bought the service station and opened up Todd’s Shell along U.S. Highway 75 in Rock Rapids, Iowa. A year after they bought the business they built an addition.This expansion allowed them to add more items and cooler space to better serve the customers. The additional cooler space included what Todd said was the first beer cave’ in the area. They are known for having the largest beer cave in northwest Iowa.
But it’s not just the beer customers stop for at Todd’s, where a wide selection of items is offered, such as food, beverages, coffee and milk. And customers looking for a quick breakfast or lunch have a good selection of items to choose from. The menu includes brats, burgers, fresh donuts and rolls every morning, breakfast items and prime rib sandwiches, to name a few.
Todd, who was in restaurant management before starting his business, said Todd’s Shell is a family business as Arlys handles some of the cooking duties as well as other things around the station. In addition, there are 10 full and part-time employees to help customers during the hours of operation.
The station is open Monday through Saturday at 5 a.m. – 10 p.m., except for Friday night when they are open until 11 p.m. Sunday’s they open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
Todd says that besides having the largest beer cave they are also known for the quality Shell gasoline, fast friendly service and great food.
