Quality Liquors
Yuma, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A giant white swooping arrow points motorists toward the front door of Quality Liquors Drive In in Yuma. When photographed in 1998, the colorful sign made sure there was no confusion about where to turn for a roadside refreshment. 11-20
Quality Liquors became a familiar Fourth Avenue stop with its drive-through service. Customers could pick up beer, wine, spirits, and other supplies without leaving the comfort of the car, which probably seemed especially inviting during a Yuma summer.
The exact age of the sign is uncertain, but its oversized arrow belongs to the days when roadside businesses used big shapes and bright colors to catch drivers traveling at speed. There was no need for a complicated message. The arrow simply pointed toward the building and let the store take it from there.
Quality Liquor Sign
Yuma, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
After dark, the tall sign stood out even more against the desert sky. It joined the collection of motel, restaurant, and liquor-store signs that once made Fourth Avenue one of Yuma’s more colorful nighttime drives.
The store has expanded its offerings over the years with an ATM, propane exchange, and check-cashing services, but the old arrow remains the main roadside attraction. Drive-through liquor and a giant arrow pointing the way. Sometimes roadside advertising does not need to be subtle.
UPDATE: Just added a photo of what the liquor store sign looked like in 1998. Looks like the colors on the sign were multi-color providing some character. 11-20
UPDATE: Quality Liquors Drive In remains open. Its towering sign and swooping arrow survive, although the original multicolored panels have been repainted with newer branding. 09-26
Chandler Liquors
Chandler, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Chandler Liquors sign is one fine piece of roadside advertising. A long arrow lined with chasing bulbs sweeps above the store before ending in a fiery neon starburst. The sign appears to date from the late 1950s or early 1960s.
The store also features a drive-through lane, allowing customers to pick up their purchases without leaving the car.
UPDATE: Chandler Liquors remains open along Arizona Avenue, and its wonderful rooftop arrow and neon starburst survive. 09-26
Farmers Liquors (Rem.)
Glendale, AZ Photo courtesy Jodey Elsner
The Farmers Quality Liquor Store drive-through sits near 43rd and Glendale avenues, framed by a pair of tall palm trees. It is a wonderfully Arizona combination of cold drinks, roadside convenience, and a little tropical scenery.
Farmers Liquors was developed by entrepreneur Lou Grubb and is credited as Arizona’s first drive-through liquor-store chain. At its peak, the company operated more than 15 locations around the Valley.
The Glendale store still uses its original idea. Drivers can pull beneath the canopy, make a purchase through the car window, and continue down the road without stepping into the desert heat.
UPDATE: Farmers Quality Liquor Store remains open, and its drive-through layout, and palm trees continue marking the Glendale Avenue corner. The was replaced with a boring plastic one prior to 2019. 09-26
8 Drive-in Liquor
Yuma, AZ Photo courtesy Bill Herzog
As dusk settles over Yuma, the neon at 8 Drive-in Liquor begins glowing against the Arizona sky. The store takes its name from West 8th Street, not nearby Interstate 8, and its drive-through lane lets customers make a quick stop without leaving the car. 12-06
The old sign looks especially good during that brief moment when there is still a little blue in the sky but the neon has already taken over. This is the sort of roadside scene that almost demands pulling over for one more photo.
The drive-through layout belongs to Yuma’s long tradition of businesses designed around the automobile, offering cold drinks and convenience without making customers step into the desert heat.
UPDATE: 8 Drive-in Liquor remains open, and its vintage neon sign continues glowing above the longtime neighborhood store. 09-26
Jack’s Drive Thru Liquor
Phoenix, AZ Photo courtesy Jodey Elsner
The teal Liquor sign is for a drive-thru liquor store near the corner
of 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road in Phoenix. Check out the hooked arrow
on this sign. Many thanks to Jodey Elsnerfor info.
The liquor store has served this Phoenix neighborhood for decades, allowing customers to pick up cold drinks without leaving the car.
UPDATE: The building remains in use as Jack’s Drive Thru Liquor Store. 09-26
Liquor Store
Phoenix, AZ Photo courtesy Elgin MacMillan
The faded Drive-in Liquors sign was still standing somewhere along an old Phoenix commercial strip. Bleached by years of Arizona sun, it had become a good remnant of the days when large roadside signs guided motorists directly into neighborhood liquor stores.
No business name or exact location has surfaced, leaving the weathered sign as nearly the only clue to what once stood here.
UPDATE: The current location and condition of this Drive-in Liquors sign is not known. It has likely been removed during later redevelopment. 09-26
The Border Store Liquors
Fredonia, AZ Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Border Store is a package liquor store just a few yards from the state line and Utah state liquor control. The letters are outlines as if there should be neon tubing around them. Not sure from the looks of things if any of the neon is left on the sign these days. Many thanks to Alan Culley for info. 06-09
The old roadside sign survives, although the neon tubes that once outlined its lettering are gone. Inside, the store offers beer, wine, and spirits, along with a private collection of Native American rugs, jewelry, and Kachina dolls.
UPDATE: The Border Store remains open near the Utah state line, and its altered vintage sign continues marking the highway location. 09-26
Quality Liquors
Quality Liquor Sign
Chandler Liquors
Farmers Liquors (Rem.)
Jack’s Drive Thru Liquor
Liquor Store
