'50s theme sets the style, menu for Jimmy D's.

• Author: Meindersma, Sandy
• Position: Business

Byline: Sandy Meindersma

STURBRIDGE -- Six years after La Petite France bakery closed, 413 Main Street has re-opened its doors, this time with a restaurant, Jimmy D's Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe.

Jim Dhembe, proprietor of the restaurant which opened on August 30, said that he and his wife Lee Ann chose a 1950s theme because it was a fun era.

"We have 50s music playing, and picnic tables outside,'' Mr. Dhembe said. "It was really one of the best times in our history -- it's when the country was the most alive.

"My nieces Chris, Diana, Mallory and Angela did all the decorating for me,'' he said.

In keeping with the throwback to the 1950s theme, Mr. Dhembe has named all of the sandwiches and panini after 1950 celebrities. The Ricky Ricardo sandwich is pork, sliced ham, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard, while the Leader of the Pack panini has ham, turkey, salami, pepperoncini, pepperoni, pepper Jack cheese, provolone, mozzarella and blue cheese mustard.

In addition to the sandwiches and panini, Jimmy's serves fresh salads and soups, and of course ice cream.

Mr. Dhembe said that he expects to expand the restaurant's offerings in November to include breakfast, with egg sandwiches on bagels, muffins and scones.

"And they will be available at any time of the day,'' he said.

In keeping with the 1950s theme, Jimmy D's offers root beer floats, orange creamcicles and malted...