Shell's Bar-B-Q (Demolished)
Hickory, NC
Photo courtesy Doug Harvey

The glow from this roadside sign is enough to make anyone start thinking about barbecue. Shell's Bar-B-Q was one of those places that seemed to belong along the highway, especially after dark when the neon and bright lettering stood out against the night. If you were passing through Hickory, it was hard not to notice. 08-06

Shell's had been serving customers since 1952 and became a local institution for generations of barbecue fans. The restaurant eventually moved into the shiny chrome diner building seen here, giving it an appearance that was every bit as memorable as the food inside. It was the kind of roadside stop that looked inviting whether you were hungry or not.

UPDATE: After 67 years in business, Shell's Bar-B-Q closed in August 2020 when the owners retired. The diner building was later demolished to make way for new development. 08-26

Maryland Fried Chicken
Albany, GA
Photo courtesy Lisa Pike

This is a longtime Maryland Fried Chicken location on N. Slappey Blvd in Albany, GA.  The current owner has decked the place inside and out in a "hippy" fashion.  We have 3 Maryland chains in Albany, but this one is very unique. Many thanks to Lisa Pike for info. 09-06

There's no mistaking this place as you drive down North Slappey Boulevard. Maryland Fried Chicken has a giant mascot keeping watch from the roof, and that's usually enough to get motorists looking twice.

This Albany favorite has been serving fried chicken since 1968 and has remained in the same family ever since. While the chain got its start in Florida, this location has become a hometown institution in its own right. Albany has had several Maryland Fried Chicken restaurants over the years, but this one has always managed to stand out from the crowd.

UPDATE: The restaurant is still serving customers today, and the familiar rooftop mascot continues greeting hungry travelers along North Slappey Boulevard. 08-26

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (Rem.)
Albany, GA
Photo courtesy Lisa Pike

Here's a neon shot of the longtime Krispy Kreme store (long before it was a well-known company) located at the corner of Pine Ave. and Slappey Blvd. The old sign has been replaced, but the KK crown still sits on top of the building. Many thanks to Lisa Pike for info. 09-06

This has been one of Albany's longtime Krispy Kreme locations, dating back to the days when the chain was still best known throughout the Southeast. While the old neon roadside sign has since been replaced with a more modern version, one familiar feature remains. Take a look at the roof and you'll still spot the classic Krispy Kreme crown watching over the building.

UPDATE: The restaurant is still open, but the original neon sign shown here has been replaced. The rooftop crown remains a familiar sight along Slappey Boulevard. 08-26

Pal's Burgers
Kingsport, TN
Photo courtesy Doug Harvey

Located in Kingsport, TN, Pal's Burgers and its carry out hamburger stand has been around since 1956. This neon shot is of the original stand in downtown. Check out the Pal's Hamburger Man on top of the roof. 10-06

Fred "Pal" Barger opened this first location in 1956, and it still looks very much like the early days of roadside fast food. Long before the chain became known for its colorful drive-thru buildings scattered across east Tennessee and southwest Virginia, this was where it all began. The old rooftop figure and vintage look have made it one of the Tri-Cities' best-known roadside landmarks.

UPDATE: The original Kingsport location is still serving burgers, and the rooftop Hamburger Man continues greeting motorists just as he has for decades. 08-26

Arby's Roast Beef (Gone)
Louisville, KY
Photo courtesy Rosalind Causey

This is a vintage Arby's sign in Louisville, KY. It is in great shape and is one of many neon signs in the St. Matthews area. Unfortunately, a new Arby's is being built down the street, and the fate of this sign is uncertain. Many thanks to Rosalind Causey for info. 12-06

The building had already lived an interesting life before becoming an Arby's, opening years earlier as a Burger Chef before being converted in the late 1970s. Even as many older restaurants across the country were replacing their colorful signs with smaller, modern logos, this location managed to hold onto its vintage cowboy hat. It looked like a reminder of the days when fast-food restaurants competed for attention with oversized signs instead of oversized billboards.

Unfortunately, the writing was already on the wall when this photo was taken. A brand-new Arby's was being built just down Shelbyville Road, and there was no guarantee the old sign would make the move. It seemed like one of those roadside landmarks worth photographing while there was still time.

UPDATE: The restaurant later relocated to a newer building nearby. The original restaurant was remodeled for another business, and the classic cowboy hat sign was removed. 08-26

Dizzy Whizz
Louisville, KY
Photo courtesy Rosalind Causey

This is a classic burger joint in Louisville, KY called Dizzy Whizz. The Dizzy Whizz has featured curb side service and has been open for business serving customers since 1947. Many thanks to Rosalind Causey for info. 12-06

Hungry? Pull into one of the parking spaces at Dizzy Whizz and wait for the carhop to come to your window. This Louisville burger stand has been serving customers since 1947, and it still offers one of the few chances to enjoy a true old-fashioned drive-in experience. The neon signs and vintage layout make it well worth a stop, even if you're just passing through. 12-06

The famous Whizzburger has been drawing hungry customers since the early 1950s, and the restaurant still has the same casual neighborhood feel that's kept people coming back for decades. Take a look around and you'll even spot the retro "Dairy Bar" signs marking the curbside service spaces.

UPDATE: Dizzy Whizz is still open and continues serving burgers the old-fashioned way with carhop service. 08-26