By Paul Bonnette For over half a century, the Branch family has been known in Bay County for businesses such as Speedy Car Wash, Jimmy’s Drive-In, and Tally Ho, the last of which is still in operation today. Since the 1940s these historical businesses have been serving up some of the best food in Bay County thanks to owner Jimmy Branch. Today his grandson, Allan Branch is continuing the tradition of operating businesses steeped in history and all with the goal of bringing people together over good food and drinks. If you have been in downtown Panama City on Harrison Avenue, you may have noticed a popular spot with tourists and locals alike called History Class Brewing Company. For owner Allan Branch, operating a business focused on history, food and drinks just ran in the family. “My Grandparents moved here in the late 40s from Tallahassee and they had started Jimmy’s Drive-In and Tally Ho, which was actually named after the yearbook at Florida State University. I grew up in entrepreneurship,” says Branch. “I was home-schooled and my family didn’t watch sports or talk about politics. When we got together, we talked about businesses. Some families have hunting as a hobby together or some families have football, we didn’t. We would talk P&Ls (Profit & Loss), hiring people, and firing people and so I just grew up talking about businesses. That was my home.” After attending Bay High School and playing Division One Football in College, Branch moved to... Read More