A&W Root Beer (Closed)
Union City, OH
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The A&W mascot is at the A&W Drive-In in Union City, OH. When this photo was taken, the A&W Root Beer drive-in was closed for the season and had a "For Sale by Owner" sign out front. Thankfully, the building didn't disappear. Instead, it found a new life while holding onto much of the character that made it a local favorite. Many thanks to Alan Culley for info. 06-11

Originally opened in 1959, this A&W served generations of customers from its location just across the Ohio-Indiana state line. Like many classic A&W drive-ins, it became known for frosty mugs of root beer, burgers, coney dogs, and old-fashioned curbside dining. One of its most popular menu items was the Alley Oop sandwich, a local favorite that's been around for decades.

In 2022, the restaurant left the A&W franchise and reopened as an independent business called Bear's Rootbeer. Although the familiar A&W signs and mascot are gone, the new owners have continued making fresh root beer on-site and wisely kept the Alley Oop on the menu. Even some of the vintage touches inside, including the old booth telephones, remain.

UPDATE: This former A&W became Bear's Rootbeer which is also now permanently closed. The historic drive-in building survives, but the original A&W signage and mascot have been removed. 06-26

A&W Root Beer (Closed)
Southgate, MI
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

The “pilgrim hat” roof made this A&W Root Beer stand easy to spot along Eureka Road in Southgate. Carhops, curbside speakers and frosty mugs delivered to the car kept the classic drive-in experience alive. 11-09

Customers could order burgers, chili coney dogs and draft root beer without leaving their seats. A tray hooked over the window completed the meal—a familiar routine that has become harder to find.

UPDATE: The A&W closed in late 2025. The building now houses an independent restaurant, but the familiar A&W signage has been removed. 06-26

B-K Root Beer (Demolished)
Logansport, IN
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

When I photographed this B-K Root Beer stand, it was closed for the season, but the old roadside sign with its remaining neon still caught my attention. Sitting on East Market Street almost directly across from Mr. Happy Burger, it was one of those places that made Logansport a fun town to explore. After this visit, I started noticing B-K Root Beer stands in several other Indiana communities. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 10-10

This B-K was part of the Indiana-based chain that became known for its homemade root beer and Spanish hot dogs topped with a sweet, tangy meat sauce. Like many of the old root beer stands, it was a simple place where people stopped for burgers, coneys, fries, and an icy mug of root beer on a warm summer day.

The restaurant remained a local favorite for decades before finally closing in 2018 after roughly 70 years in business. Sadly, the small drive-in building didn't last long after that and was demolished later the same year. The partial neon sign that stood out when I visited disappeared along with it.

Fortunately, there are still a handful of B-K Root Beer stands scattered around Indiana, so it's still possible to experience a piece of this Hoosier tradition.

UPDATE: This B-K Root Beer location permanently closed in 2018 and was demolished later that year. The building and partial neon sign are both gone. 06-26

Burkie's Drive-in (Demolished)
Muncie, IN
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Burkie’s Drive-In looked comfortably settled in Muncie when photographed in 2010. Its mid-century building, neon sign and carhop service offered the full neighborhood drive-in experience. 11-10

Opened in 1954, Burkie’s became known for burgers, giant pork tenderloins and hand-cut fries delivered to the car window. Its neon received restoration shortly before the restaurant closed in 2018, ending more than six decades of service.

The vacant building lingered for several years, but another chapter never arrived.

UPDATE: Burkie’s was demolished in 2025. The building and restored neon sign are gone, taking a familiar Muncie roadside welcome with them. 06-26

Winstead's Drive-in
Kansas City, MO
Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb

Winstead’s Drive-In has served Kansas City near Country Club Plaza since 1940. Its curved Streamline Moderne building, glass-block tower and neon spire make it worth noticing before reaching the menu. 12-10

Thin steakburgers, hand-dipped milkshakes and oversized Skyscraper treats built a following well beyond the neighborhood. The building supplies an equally memorable attraction, especially when the neon lights up after dark.

The chain has grown smaller, but the original Plaza restaurant continues a tradition more than eighty-five years old.

UPDATE: Winstead’s remains open at the Plaza. Carhop service has ended, but the historic architecture, neon and familiar steakburgers continue welcoming customers. 06-26