A small overnight electrical incident prompted a temporary closure Wednesday at The R-B, though owners say damage was minimal and no injuries were reported.

According to a post shared by the business on social media, an unused transformer dating back to the 1950s shorted out beneath an east-side soffit. The transformer had originally been installed to power early neon lighting but has not been in use since the 1970s.

The electrical failure caused limited exterior and eave damage. As a precaution, the business announced it would remain closed for the day while the issue is addressed.

Owners expressed appreciation for members of the public who noticed the issue and alerted authorities, as well as first responders who quickly arrived on scene — including Hutchinson Fire Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769010932709.jpeg" alt="Exterior damage to R-B Drive In. (Hutch Post photo / Marc Jacobs) " />
 <figcaption>Exterior damage to R-B Drive In. (Hutch Post photo / Marc Jacobs) </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostA small overnight electrical incident prompted a temporary closure Wednesday at The R-B, though owners say damage was minimal and no injuries were reported.According to a post shared by the business on social media, an unused transformer dating back to the 1950s shorted out beneath an east-side soffit. The transformer had originally been installed to power early neon lighting but has not been in use since the 1970s.The electrical failure caused limited exterior and eave damage. As a precaution, the business announced it would remain closed for the day while the issue is addressed.Owners expressed appreciation for members of the public who noticed the issue and alerted authorities, as well as first responders who quickly arrived on scene — including Hutchinson Fire Department.

R-B Drive in closed Wednesday due to overnight fire