Dog ‘n Suds Brings Back Good Old Times
Remember the good ol’ days of drive-in restaurants, frosty mugs of root beer, and those delectable Coney dogs? I bet your taste buds are tingling just thinking about it! Well, sit back and let me take you down memory lane to the days of Dog ‘n Suds, the iconic American drive-in chain that made our hearts (and stomachs) sing.
Ah, 1953. Two music teachers, James Griggs and Don Hammaker, took a chance and opened the very first Dog ‘n Suds in Champaign, Illinois. Little did they know that their brainchild would soon become a beloved part of Americana. With its eye-catching red and yellow butterfly wing-designed buildings and that adorable floppy-eared dog wearing a chef’s hat on the signs, Dog ‘n Suds quickly became the go-to spot for families and teens alike.
Can you picture it now? Pulling up to that intercom system, placing your order, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of a carhop carrying your frosty mug of “world’s creamiest” root beer and a mouthwatering Texas burger. There was just something about sitting in your car, surrounded by the buzz of the drive-in, that made the whole experience feel like a special treat.
And let’s remember those Coney dogs. The scrumptious Coney Island sauce, whipped up from scratch and slathered on the hot dogs, was a thing of beauty. The secret formula for that iconic root beer, served in frosted mugs, still has us dreaming about it today.
As the years went by, Dog ‘n Suds expanded, reaching more than 600 locations in 38 states by 1968. But as we all know, nothing lasts forever. The business was sold in 1974 to Frosty Enterprises, and the franchise was later abandoned. Thankfully, the rights were scooped up by Don and Carol Van Damme, owners of a Dog ‘n Suds in Lafayette, Indiana, who saved the name and trademark in 1991.
Now, there are only 15 locations left in the country, scattered across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. But the spirit of Dog ‘n Suds lives on, with the original recipes for dressings, sauces, and that dreamy root beer still being used to this day.
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Check out this fantastic video that captures the magic of Dog ‘n Suds. And hey, if you find yourself near one of those remaining locations, why not pop in and relive the nostalgia? Share this with your friends because we all deserve a little taste of the past now and then!
