Candle Lite Restaurant (Gone)
Fort Wayne, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
The glowing neon candle made Candle Lite Restaurant one of the more distinctive restaurant signs in Fort Wayne. Simple but eye-catching, the bright flame lit up the front of the building and gave the restaurant a personality that was hard to miss after dark. 12-07
While little has been documented about the restaurant itself, city directories show a Candle-Lite Restaurant operating in Fort Wayne as early as 1939. Vintage matchbooks also confirm the restaurant was known as both the Candle Lite Restaurant and Candle Lite Cafe over the years.
Unfortunately, the restaurant has long since disappeared, and recent information about the original building is difficult to find. It's also unclear what became of the neon candle sign, though it no longer appears to survive at its original location.
Photos like this help preserve the memory of another neighborhood restaurant whose sign was just as memorable as the business itself.
UPDATE: Candle Lite Restaurant is no longer in business. The current status of the original building couldn't be confirmed, and the neon candle sign is believed to have been removed. 06-26
Hollywood Restaurant (Gone)
Hamlet, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
Travelers along U.S. Route 30 couldn't help but notice the Hollywood Restaurant in Hamlet. The name alone was enough to make you curious, and the neon sign out front gave the restaurant a little touch of Hollywood glamour in the middle of northern Indiana. 12-07
For many years, Hollywood Restaurant & Lounge was a popular stop for both locals and travelers passing through town. It was known for its relaxed atmosphere and its famous Hollywood burger, which became the restaurant's signature menu item. The Fifer family operated the business for decades, making it a familiar gathering place for the community.
Like so many independently owned roadside restaurants, Hollywood was more than just a place to grab a bite to eat. It was where people met for lunch, celebrated special occasions, and caught up with friends over a good meal before continuing down the highway.
Today the restaurant is gone, and the neon sign that once welcomed customers has disappeared as well. Fortunately, old photos still preserve the memory of another classic stop from the heyday of U.S. Route 30.
UPDATE: Hollywood Restaurant is permanently closed, and the neon sign has been removed. The current status of the original building couldn't be confirmed. 06-26
Pizza King
Alexandria, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Pizza King is located on Highway 9 at the north end of town and is still in business. Pizza Kings seem to be an Indiana thing with, in my opinion, the best two here in Marion. 12-07
Miner Dunn Hamburgers
Highland, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
If you're driving along Indianapolis Boulevard in Highland, it's hard to miss the vintage sign at Miner Dunn Hamburgers. The classic roadside look fits the restaurant perfectly, and it's one of those places that still feels like an old-fashioned hamburger stand. 10-08
Miner-Dunn got its start in 1932 when Harold Miner and Ralph Dunn opened a tiny six-stool restaurant in nearby Hammond with just $80. Over the years, the business grew into a regional chain, but today the Highland restaurant is the last remaining Miner-Dunn still carrying on the tradition.
The menu hasn't strayed far from its roots. Burgers are still the main attraction, and if you order one of the Deluxe plates, you'll even get a scoop of homemade orange sherbet with your meal—a tradition that's become almost as famous as the burgers themselves.
The old sign out front is a reminder of an era when restaurants competed for attention with bright roadside advertising instead of giant billboards. It's a perfect match for one of northwest Indiana's true hamburger institutions.
Miner Dunn Hamburgers Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi
Here's another shot of the Miner Dunn Hamburgers marquee in Highland. Check out the way the neon glow from the streetscape brings life to the area. 10-08
UPDATE: Miner-Dunn Real Hamburgers remains open in Highland and continues serving customers from its longtime location. The vintage roadside sign also survives. 06-26
Olympic Flame Restaurant (Closed)
Highland, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The neon marquee at Olympic Flame Restaurant was the kind of sign that made you slow down for a second look. Brightly lit and full of personality, it stood out along the roadside and gave this Highland restaurant a classic mid-century look after dark. 01-08
Olympic Flame was a traditional family restaurant that served the community for many years. While little has been documented about its history, the restaurant was one of those neighborhood places that people came to know as much for its familiar sign as for the food inside.
Unfortunately, the restaurant has since closed, and recent information about the building is limited. The fate of the neon marquee is also uncertain, although it no longer appears to be at its original location.
Fortunately, photos like this preserve another piece of roadside Americana that has quietly disappeared from the landscape.
UPDATE: Olympic Flame Restaurant is permanently closed. The current status of the original building couldn't be confirmed, and the neon marquee no longer appears to survive at the site. 06-26
Skyline Restaurant (Demolished)
Muncie, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The neon marquee at Skyline Restaurant made this one of the more noticeable stops along South Madison Street in Muncie. With its bright lights advertising steaks, chops, barbecue ribs, and drive-in service, it was easy to imagine this place bustling on a Friday or Saturday night. 01-08
Built during the World War II era, Skyline became a popular restaurant and cocktail lounge during the 1960s and 1970s. For many years it was owned by local entertainer Jimmy Carter, who was known for performing behind the keyboard and organ while customers enjoyed their meals.
The restaurant eventually closed and sat vacant for years before falling into disrepair. By 2017, the building had been declared unsafe and was demolished, bringing an end to one of Muncie's longtime roadside landmarks.
The neon marquee is gone today, but photos like this help preserve the memory of another classic restaurant that once lit up Indiana's highways.
UPDATE: Skyline Restaurant was demolished in 2017 after years of vacancy. The building is gone, and the fate of the neon marquee is unknown. 06-26
Bright Spot Restaurant (Gone)
Hobart, IN Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi
Just across the street from Abbott's Restaurant was another longtime Hobart favorite, Bright Spot Restaurant. The marquee out front proudly advertised breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, making it clear that no matter when you stopped by, there was always something cooking. 10-08
Bright Spot was one of those neighborhood restaurants where people gathered for a good meal without a lot of fuss. For more than 40 years, owner George Fitusis welcomed customers with classic American comfort food, generous breakfasts, and the kind of friendly atmosphere that kept people coming back.
After serving the community for four decades, Bright Spot closed its doors in 2024 when George decided it was finally time to retire. It marked the end of another longtime local restaurant that had become part of everyday life for so many people.
UPDATE: Bright Spot Restaurant permanently closed in 2024 after more than 40 years in business. The restaurant is gone, and its familiar roadside marquee has been removed. 06-26
Bright Spot Restaurant (Gone)
