The drive-thru just makes our lives so much easier. If we’re too tired to cook or to sit down to a meal in a restaurant, we just have to slide into line at our favorite drive-thru restaurant and order. A few minutes later, we’re on our way with a quick and tasty meal. Did you know the very first drive-thru in the world is said to have been Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri?
Billed as having the world's first drive-thru window, Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield first opened its doors in 1947.
Tucked in a former gas station, the historic burger joint got its name from a simple error. Owner Sheldon "Red" and Julia Chaney ordered a sign that only fit the letters HAMBURG. Alas, the burger joint became known as Red's Hamburg.
Known for its burgers and fries, served with an ice cold root beer, Red's Hamburg was a popular neighborhood stop for decades. However, it shut its doors in December 1984, three years shy of its 50th anniversary.
The once-bustling burger joint sat empty until it was demolished in 1997. Red passed away just weeks later; Julia died in 2006. That seemed to be the end of the story except... it wasn't.
Co-owners David Campbell and Greg Iott oversaw the rebuilding of the restaurant, only the 21st-century version is bigger, so it can accommodate more diners.
A quick peek at the menu, in fact, is sure to get your stomach growling in anticipation. You have a few Redburgs from which to choose - single, double, triple, jumbo, or sooper. Or, go meatless with the vegan burger.
Have you been to Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri? The old one or the new one? Or both? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of hiking and of history, check out these 11 Missouri hiking trails that lead to incredible pieces of history.
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